Sulfuric Acid (AR/ LR)

Sulfuric Acid (AR/ LR) (alternative spelling sulphuric acid) is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid with the molecular formula H2SO4. Sulfuric Acid is a pungent-ethereal, colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid, which is soluble in water at all, concentrations.
Sulfuric Acid is a diprotic acid and shows different properties depending upon its concentration. Its corrosiveness on other materials, like metals, living tissues (e.g. skin and flesh) or even stones, can be mainly ascribed to its strong acidic nature and, if concentrated, strong dehydrating and oxidizing property. Sulfuric Acid at a high concentration can cause very serious damage upon contact, as it not only causes chemical burns via hydrolysis, but also secondary thermal burns via dehydration. Accordingly, safety precautions should be strictly observed when handling it. Moreover, it is hygroscopic, readily absorbing water vapor from the air.
Sulfuric Acid is a central substance in the chemical industry. Sulfuric acid has a wide range of applications including domestic acidic drain cleaner, electrolyte in lead-acid batteries and various cleaning agents. Principal uses include mineral processing, fertilizer manufacturing, oil refining, wastewater processing, and chemical synthesis.
It is used in chemical industry for production of detergents, synthetic resins, dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals, petroleum catalysts, insecticides and antifreeze, as well as in various processes such as oil well acidizing, aluminium reduction, paper sizing and water treatment.