CHAPTER 9

MANUFACTURED SUBSTANCES IN INDUSTRY

9.1 SULPHURIC ACID

Sulphuric acid is one of the most important chamical in the world.

It is a non-volatile diprotic acid, manufactured through contact
process.
The raw material used in the contact process are sulphur, air and
water.
There are three stages in the contact process.
 Production Of Sulphuric Acid (Contact Process)
Stage 1:
Production of Sulphur Dioxide From Sulphur
1. Molten Sulphur is burnt dry to produce sulphur dioxide.
2. The gas produced is then purified and cooled.
S + O2 = SO2
3. Sulphur dioxide can also be produced by burning metal sulphide
such as lead (II) sulphide or zinc sulphide in dry air.
2PbS + 3O2 = 2PbO + 2SO2
Stage 2: Production Of Sulphur Trioxide From
Sulphur Dioxide
1. The purified sulphur dioxide and excess air are passed over vanadium(V)
oxide at controlled optimum conditions to produce sulphur trioxide.
2. The optimum conditions used are:
Temperature: 450 – 500 C
Pressure: 1 atm
Catalyst: Vanadium(V) oxide
3. Under controlled optimum conditions, 98% conversion is possible.
Sulphur dioxide and oxygen that have not reacted are allowed to
flow back again over the catalyst in the converter.
 Stage 3: Conversion Of Sulphur Trioxide To
Sulphuric Acid
1. Sulphur trioxide is dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid to form
oleum which is then diluted with water to form concentrated
sulphuric acid.
2. The two reactions in stage 3 are equivalent to adding sulphur
trioxide directly into water.
3. The addition of sulphur trioxide directly into water is not carried out
because the reaction is very vigorous; a lot of heat is given off.
Sulphuric acid fumes are produced.
 Uses Of Sulphuric Acid

1. Manufacturing Of Detergents:
Sulphuric acid + Hydrocarbon = Sulphonic acid
Sulphonic acid + Sodium hydroxide = Detergents
2. Manufacturing Of Polymers ( Synthetic Fibers ):
Sulphuric acid + Cellulose = Rayon
3. Manufacturing Of White Paint:
Sulphuric acid + Barium hydroxide = Barium sulphate ( Neutralisation )
4. Usage In School Laboratories:
Used as a catalyst, strong acid, dehydrating agent, oxidising
agent and sulphonating agent
5. Manufacturing Of Fertilisers:
Sulphuric acid + Tricalcium phosphate = Calcium dihydrogen
phosphate
Sulphuric acid + Aqueous ammonia = Ammonium sulphate
Sulphuric acid + Pottasium hydroxide = Pottasium sulphate
 Environmental Issues
• Acid Rain
Sulphur dioxide is the pollutant primarily associated with acid rain.
Acid rain occurs when pH of the rain is between 2.4 and 5.0.
This is due to the reaction of sulphur dioxide with rainwater.
The negative effects of acid rains:
- Corrosion of concrete and metal structures
- Corrosion of marble monuments and statues
- Causing erosion of top soil
- Death of aquatic life
 Health Effects
• Bronchoconstriction
When sulphur dioxide is inhaled at high concentrations, it may cause
severe problems such as narrowing of the airways.
(bronchoconstriction)

Asthamatics are considerably more sensitive to

bronchoconstriction compared to other individuals.