Overview

Sulfuric acid (sul-FUR-ik AS-id) is a colorless to dark brown, dense, oily liquid that mixes completely with water. Its color depends on its purity, with compounds of sulfur adding a darker color to the colorless pure product. Sulfuric acid is also available in a form known as fuming sulfuric acid, a solution of sulfur trioxide in sulfuric acid with the chemical formula xH₂SO₄·ySO₃. Sulfuric acid is the most commonly manufactured chemical in the world. In 2004, the chemical industry produced 37,515,000 metric tons (41,266,000 short tons), of which more than half was used in the manufacture of fertilizers.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Hydrogen sulfate; oil of vitriol

Formula:

H₂SO₄

Elements:

Hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen

Compound Type:

Acid (inorganic)

State:

Liquid

Molecular Weight:

98.08 g/mol

Melting Point:

10.31°C (50.56°F)

Boiling Point:

337°C (639°F)

Solubility:

Completely miscible with water

Some historians credit the discovery of sulfuric acid to...