While sulphuric acid itself is a chemical compound with the formula H₂SO₄, it is formed through chemical reactions that are represented by balanced chemical equations. The provided reference details the key balanced equations involved in the industrial manufacture of sulphuric acid using the Contact Process.
These equations show how the raw materials are transformed through specific steps under controlled conditions to yield sulphuric acid. Below are the balanced chemical equations from the reference, detailing the process.
Balanced Equations in the Manufacture of Sulphuric Acid (Contact Process)
The Contact Process involves several stages, each represented by a balanced chemical equation:
Step 1: Oxidation of Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is reacted with oxygen (O₂) to produce sulfur trioxide (SO₃). This is an equilibrium reaction catalyzed by vanadium(V) oxide (V₂O₅) at a high temperature (~450°C).
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Balanced Equation:
2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g) -
Conditions: Approximately 450°C temperature, presence of a V₂O₅ catalyst.
Step 2: Absorption of Sulfur Trioxide
Sulfur trioxide (SO₃) is absorbed into concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) instead of water directly. This prevents the formation of a corrosive mist. This step produces oleum (also known as disulfuric acid, H₂S₂O₇).
- Balanced Equation:
SO₃(g) + H₂SO₄(l) → H₂S₂O₇(l)
Step 3: Dilution of Oleum
The oleum (H₂S₂O₇) produced in the previous step is then carefully diluted with water (H₂O) to yield concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).
- Balanced Equation:
H₂S₂O₇(l) + H₂O(l) → 2H₂SO₄(l)
These three balanced equations, as described in the provided reference, represent the core chemical transformations leading to the production of sulphuric acid via the Contact Process.
