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21. Sulphuric acid is an important chemical, often referred to as the "king of chemicals."

a. Write the principle for the manufacture of sulphuric acid by the contact process.
b. Why can't concentrated H₂SO₄ be diluted by adding water to the acid?
c. What happens when formic acid is heated with concentrated H₂SO₄?
d. How is the SO₃ ion tested in the lab?
e. Why does H₂SO₄ always act as an oxidizing agent?



Answer :

GinnyAnswer

Final answer:

Explanation of the Contact process in sulphuric acid production and answering related questions.


Explanation:

The Contact process for manufacturing sulphuric acid:

  1. Sulfur is burned to produce sulfur dioxide: S(s) + O₂(g) → SO₂(g).
  2. Continued reaction of sulfur dioxide with oxygen to produce sulfur trioxide: 2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) → 2SO₃(g).
  3. Reaction of sulfur trioxide with water to produce sulfuric acid: SO₃(g) + H₂O(l) → H₂SO₄(l).

Answering the given questions:

  • Principle for manufacture of sulphuric acid by contact process: The Contact process involves the conversion of sulfur to sulfur dioxide, sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, and finally, sulfur trioxide to sulfuric acid.
  • Conc. H₂SO₄ dilution: Concentrated H₂SO₄ cannot be diluted by adding water directly because it is highly exothermic and can cause splattering.
  • Formic acid with conc. H₂SO₄: When formic acid is heated with concentrated H₂SO₄, it decomposes to produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water.
  • Testing for SO₄²⁻ ion: The SO₄²⁻ ion can be tested in the lab by adding barium chloride, resulting in the formation of a white precipitate of barium sulfate.
  • Reason H₂SO₄ acts as an oxidizing agent: H₂SO₄ always acts as an oxidizing agent due to its ability to donate protons and accept electrons in chemical reactions.

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