Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric Acid is a highly corrosive, strong mineral acid widely used across chemical manufacturing and heavy industry. Known for its powerful dehydrating and oxidizing properties, sulfuric acid serves as a critical reagent and processing aid in fertilizer production, petroleum refining, metal treatment, battery manufacturing, and a broad range of synthesis pathways. Its high acidity and affinity for water make it effective for pH control, mineral processing, and dehydration reactions.

As one of the world’s highest-volume industrial chemicals, sulfuric acid underpins key value chains including phosphates, detergents, pigments, and specialty chemicals. It is also used for pickling and cleaning metals, producing dyes and explosives intermediates, and as the electrolyte in lead-acid batteries. When specifying or handling sulfuric acid, ensure appropriate materials compatibility (e.g., certain alloys and acid-resistant plastics) and robust safety controls due to its strong corrosivity and heat release on dilution.

Synonyms: Sulphuric acid (UK), Oil of vitriol, Battery acid (dilute), Hydrogen sulfate (common name; not preferred IUPAC)

Characteristics:

IUPAC Name: Sulfuric acid
CAS Number: 7664-93-9
UN Numbers: UN 1830 (Sulfuric acid, >51%); UN 2796 (Sulfuric acid, ≤51%); UN 1831 (Oleum, fuming sulfuric acid)

Recommended Industries & Applications:

• Fertilizers & Inorganic Chemicals: Production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers; manufacture of sulfate salts and pigments.
• Petroleum Refining: Alkylation catalyst and dehydration agent in refining processes.
• Metals & Mining: Acid pickling/cleaning of steel and non-ferrous metals; mineral processing and leaching.
• Batteries & Energy Storage: Electrolyte for lead-acid batteries and battery maintenance fluids.
• Water & Waste Treatment: pH adjustment/neutralization and process acidification (with proper controls).
• General Chemical Manufacturing: Intermediate and reagent for detergents, dyes, explosives intermediates, and specialty chemicals.