Sulphurous acid: chemical properties, production

Sulphurous acid: chemical properties, production



Sulfuric acid is an inorganic acid of medium strength. Because of the instability, it is impossible to prepare its aqueous solution with a concentration of more than 6%, otherwise it will begin to disintegrate into sulfur dioxide and water.





Sulphurous acid

















Chemical properties of sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid is able to react withoxygen. In this case, sulfuric acid is formed. This reaction takes a very long time and is possible only if the storage rules are violated. Sulfuric acid has both oxidative and reducing properties. With its help, it is possible to obtain halogen acids. The aqueous solution reacts with chlorine to form hydrochloric and sulfuric acid. In reaction with strong reducing agents, sulfuric acid plays the role of an oxidizing agent. One such substance is hydrogen sulphide, a gas with a very unpleasant odor. Interacting with an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid, it forms sulfur and water. Salts of sulfuric acid also have reducing properties. They are divided into sulfites and hydrosulfites. During the oxidation reactions of these salts, sulfuric acid is formed.

Preparation of sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid is formed only wheninteraction of sulfur dioxide and water. You need to get sulfur dioxide. This can be done with copper and sulfuric acid. Carefully pour concentrated sulfuric acid into a test tube and drop a piece of copper into it. Heat the tube with an alcohol stove. As a result of heating, copper sulfate (copper sulfate), water and sulfur dioxide are formed, which, using a special tube, must be brought to the cone with clean water. Thus, it is possible to get sulfurous acid. Remember that sulfur dioxide is harmful to humans. It causes damage to the airways, loss of appetite and headache. Prolonged inhalation may cause fainting. Care must be taken when working with it.

The use of sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid has antisepticproperties. It is used for disinfecting surfaces, fermenting grain. With its help, it is possible to bleach some substances that, when interacting with strong oxidants (eg, chlorine), decompose. Such substances include wool, silk, paper and some others. Its antibacterial properties are used to prevent fermentation of wine in barrels. Thus, a noble drink can be stored for a very long time, acquiring a noble taste and a unique aroma. Sulfuric acid is used in the production of paper. The addition of this acid is part of the technology for producing sulphite pulp. Then it is treated with a solution of calcium hydrosulfite to bind the fibers together.