The Contact Process: Production of Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)

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Created by
Euan Fraser

Cards (3)

  • Contact Process Overview
    An industrial method for producing sulfuric acid by oxidising sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, which is then absorbed in sulfuric acid to produce more concentrated acid.
  • Balanced Chemical Equations (Contact Process)
    (Burning−Sulfur):S(s)+(Burning - Sulfur): S(s) +O2(g)→SO2(g) O_2(g) \rightarrow SO_2(g)
    (Oxidation−of−SO2)−2SO2(g)+(Oxidation- of -SO_2)- 2SO_2(g) +O2(g)→2SO3(g) (in presence of V2O5 catalyst) O_2(g) \rightarrow 2SO_3(g) \text{ (in presence of V2O5 catalyst)}
    (Formation−of−H2SO4):SO3(g)+(Formation -of- H_2SO_4): SO_3(g) +H2O(l)→H2SO4(aq) H_2O(l) \rightarrow H_2SO_4(aq)
  • Conditions for the Reaction
    Optimal conditions include a temperature of 400-450°C, a pressure of 1-2 atm, and the presence of a vanadium(V) oxide ((V2O5)(V_2O_5)) catalyst.