What is dilute sulfuric acid

What is dilute sulfuric acid?

Dilute sulfuric acid is a common chemical solution, which is widely used in industry, laboratory and daily life. It is a solution formed by mixing sulfuric acid (H₂ SO?) with water in a certain proportion, and its concentration is low. Due to its relatively weak corrosivity and high solubility, dilute sulfuric acid plays an important role in many chemical reactions. What is dilute sulfuric acid, what are its main features and applications? This article will introduce the relevant knowledge of this chemical substance in detail.

Dilute sulfuric acid chemical properties

One of the biggest differences between dilute sulfuric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid is its concentration. The concentration of concentrated sulfuric acid usually exceeds 96%, while the concentration of dilute sulfuric acid is greatly reduced, usually between 10% and 30%. Due to the presence of water, dilute sulfuric acid is less oxidizing and less corrosive. Nevertheless, dilute sulfuric acid is still strongly acidic and can react with a variety of metals and non-metals. For example, it can react with metals such as iron and zinc to produce hydrogen and the corresponding metal sulfates.

Dilute sulfuric acid main application field

Dilute sulfuric acid has important applications in many industries. The most common uses include the following:

1. In chemical experiments: In chemical laboratories, dilute sulfuric acid is often used to neutralize alkaline solutions and adjust the pH of the solution. Due to its relatively weak corrosion, dilute sulfuric acid is suitable for some experimental environments that are not resistant to strong acids.

2. Metallurgical industry: In the metallurgical industry, dilute sulfuric acid is used to extract metals from ores, especially in the copper smelting process. Dilute sulfuric acid helps in the dissolution and extraction of metals.

3. Cleaning and descaling: Dilute sulfuric acid is also commonly used in daily life to clean scale or oxides on metal surfaces. It can effectively remove mineral deposits on equipment such as stainless steel, water pipes and water heaters.

4. Pharmaceutical and food industry: In the processing of certain drugs and foods, dilute sulfuric acid can be used as an acidic regulator or intermediate to participate in the reaction.

Dilute sulfuric acid safety and precautions

Although dilute sulfuric acid is less corrosive, it should be used with caution. Direct contact with dilute sulfuric acid may cause skin burns, especially in higher concentrations of dilute sulfuric acid solutions. Dilute sulfuric acid vapor may cause irritation to the respiratory tract, so avoid inhaling its vapor when using it. In order to ensure safety, it is recommended to wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles and acid-proof work clothes, and operate in a well-ventilated environment.

How to prepare dilute sulfuric acid?

Dilute sulfuric acid is usually prepared by mixing concentrated sulfuric acid with purified water. In actual operation, concentrated sulfuric acid should be slowly poured into water first, instead of pouring water into concentrated sulfuric acid. This is because dilute sulfuric acid and water reaction will be exothermic, if the improper operation may cause a splash or explosion accident. Therefore, mastering the correct operation method is the key to ensure safety.

Summary: Dilute sulfuric acid importance

As an important chemical reagent, dilute sulfuric acid has a wide range of applications. From chemical experiments to industrial production, it plays an indispensable role. Although its concentration is low, dilute sulfuric acid still needs to be used with caution to avoid harm to the human body. In the understanding of "what is dilute sulfuric acid", we should also increase the importance of its use safety.