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Definition: sulfuric acid from Dictionary of Energy

Chemistry. H2SO4, a highly corrosive, dense, oily liquid, colorless to dark brown depending on its purity; its addition to water generates heat and explosive spattering. Used in the manufacture of a wide range of chemicals and materials including fertilizers, paints, detergents, and explosives.

sulfuric acid

From The Columbia Encyclopedia
chemical compound, H 2 SO 4 , colorless, odorless, extremely corrosive, oily liquid. It is sometimes called oil of vitriol. When heated, the pure 100% acid loses sulfur trioxide gas, SO 3 , until a constant-boiling solution, or azeotrope, containing about 98.5% H 2 SO 4 is formed at 337 degrees Celsius. Concentrated sulfuric acid is a weak acid (see acids and bases ) and a poor electrolyte because relatively little of it is dissociated into ions at room temperature. When cold it does not react readily with such common metals as iron or copper. When hot it is an oxidizing agent, the sulfur in it being reduced; sulfur dioxide gas may be released. Hot concentrated sulfuric acid reacts with most metals and with several nonmetals, e.g., sulfur and carbon. Because the concentrated acid has a fairly high boiling point, it can be used to release more volatile acids from their salts, e.g., when sodium chloride (NaCl), or common salt, is heated with concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrogen chloride…
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Full text Article sulfuric acid

From The Columbia Encyclopedia
chemical compound, H 2 SO 4 , colorless, odorless, extremely corrosive, oily liquid. It is sometimes called oil of vitriol. When heated, the pure 100% acid loses sulfur trioxide gas, SO 3 , until a constant-boiling solution, or azeotrope, containing about 98.5% H 2 SO 4 is formed at 337 degrees…
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Full text Article sulfuric acid

From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary
(hydrogen sulfate; battery acid; electrolyte acid). CAS: 7664-93-9. H 2 SO 4 . By far the most widely used industrial chemical. Strongly corrosive, dense, oily liquid; colorless to dark brown depending on purity. Miscible with water. Very reactive, dissolves most metals; concentrated acid oxidizes, …
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Full text Article sulfuric acid (sulfuric(VI) acid)

From The Penguin Dictionary of Science
H 2 SO 4 or more specifically (HO) 2 SO 2 . The oxoacid of sulfur with oxidation number +6, hence its alternative name. It is manufactured in greater quantity than any other chemical, in terms of the mass produced. Currently the major manufacturing process is the ➤ contact process ; older methods…
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Full text Article sulfuric acid

From Britannica Concise Encyclopedia
Dense, colourless, oily, corrosive liquid inorganic compound (H 2 SO 4 ). A very strong acid , it forms ion s of hydrogen or hydronium (H + or H 3 O + ), hydrogen sulfate (HSO 4 − ), and sulfate (SO 4 2− ). It is also an oxidizing ( see oxidation-reduction ) and dehydrating agent and chars many…
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Full text Article sulfuric acid, fuming

From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary
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Full text Article sulfuric acid

From The American Heritage Student Science Dictionary
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Full text Article sulfuric acid

From Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary
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Full text Article sulfuric acid

From Dictionary of Energy
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Full text Article sulfuric acid

From The American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language
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Full text Article sulfate

From The Columbia Encyclopedia
chemical compound containing the sulfate (SO 4 ) radical . Sulfates are salts or esters of sulfuric acid , H 2 SO 4 , formed by replacing one or both of the hydrogens with a metal (e.g., sodium) or a radical (e.g., ammonium or ethyl). Sulfates in which both hydrogens are replaced are called normal…
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