Sulphuric acid is an oily liquid that is viscous in nature. It is soluble in water and is a component of acid rain. The chemical formula of this compound is H2SO4. It is mostly used in the production of fertilizers. Sulphuric acid gives rise to phosphoric acid which produces phosphate fertilizers. A few other uses of sulphuric acid are provided in this article.
Uses of Sulphuric Acid
It is formed through a natural process. When sulphide mineral in the rock oxidizes, sulphuric acid is formed. Sulphuric acid is highly acidic. Therefore, it is used in the cleaning of metals, removal of impurities from oil, manufacturing of chemicals – nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, synthesis of dye, drugs, detergents, explosives, etc.
Uses of Sulphuric Acid at Home
It is a very dangerous chemical and should be handled carefully. Because of the hazards associated with it, its uses at home are very few. It is used in drain cleaners with reactive property and hence makes home maintenance easy
Industrial Uses of Sulfuric Acid
It is used in different industries such as – wastewater processing, production of cleaning agents, processing of minerals, producing explosives, detergents and paper industry for the manufacture of aluminium sulfate
Uses of Sulfuric Acid in the Production of Drugs
Used to damage the cancerous cell DNA by the manufacture of chemotherapy drugs. It is used in ointments to treat various skin infections. It is the basic ingredient of topical ointment named Debacterol in the treatment of canker sores
Sulphuric Acid on Skin
It is used in skin ointments to treat skin infections like canker sores. Concentrated sulphuric acid is harmful for skin. It causes severe skin burn and injury.
Other applications are – it is used in the manufacture of batteries, detergents like trisodium phosphate, potato farming, printing ink, as a dehydrating agent, making paper, perfume, disinfectants, drugs etc.
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