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11 CHEM Chapter 11: Study of

Compounds D. Sulphuric Acid |
Questions
Chapter 11 - Study of Compounds D. Sulphuric Acid
11 BULLETS
1. Sulfuric Acid Production: The Contact Process, used for sulfuric acid
manufacturing, involves several key steps starting from the generation of sulfur
dioxide (SO2), which is then oxidized to sulfur trioxide (SO3) and absorbed in
sulfuric acid to form oleum. The oleum is finally diluted with water to produce
sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
 1. Industrial Significance: Sulfuric acid is termed the "King of Chemicals" due to
its extensive use across various industries. Historically referred to as "Oil of
Vitriol," it was produced from green vitriol, exemplifying its longstanding utility.
2. SO2 Production: SO2 can be produced via roasting metal sulfides or the
combustion of sulfur. The reactions are carefully balanced to optimize yield and
efficiency.
3. Optimal Oxidation Conditions: Converting SO2 to SO3 requires precise
conditions, including temperatures of 410°C-450°C, pressures around 2 atm, an
excess of oxygen, and the presence of catalysts such as vanadium pentoxide
(V2O5) or platinized asbestos, thus avoiding its dilution with water.
4. SO3 Absorption: Direct reaction of SO3 with water is avoided due to the
exothermic nature of the reaction. Instead, SO3 is absorbed by concentrated
sulfuric acid to form oleum (H2S2O7), which is then diluted to obtain sulfuric acid.
5. Catalyst Protection: Removal of impurities like arsenic is crucial as they can
poison and thus deactivate the catalysts, which are essential for the SO2 to SO3
conversion.To ensure the efficiency of the Contact Process, impurities like arsenic
are removed before the mixture passes through the catalytic chamber,
safeguarding the catalyst's activity.
6. Chemical Properties and Reactions: Sulfuric acid is known for its acidic,
oxidizing, and dehydrating properties, whether concentrated or dilute.Capable
of reacting with a wide range of substances (reactions with substances like zinc
and calcium carbonate ), forming various salts and releasing gases.
7. Safety Measures: The highly corrosive nature hygroscopic nature and high
boiling point of sulfuric acid necessitate careful storage in air-tight containers to
prevent moisture absorption and ensure safety.
8. Diverse Applications: Beyond its use in manufacturing, sulfuric acid's
dehydrating ability is significant in various chemical reactions, from organic
compound dehydration to acting as an oxidizing agent.
9. Formation of Salts: Sulfuric acid forms different salts, such as sulfates and
bisulfates, showcasing its dibasic nature and chemical versatility.
10. Specific Conditions for Contact Process: The industrial-scale production of sulfuric
acid is characterized by the Contact Process, which requires careful control of
reaction conditions to prevent the release of unabsorbable SO2.

Key Reactions
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Oxidation Reactions:
Sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide:
2SO2 + O2 → 2SO3 (over V₂O₅ at 450°C)
​ ​ ​

Sulfur with nitric acid:

S + 6HN O3 → H2 S O4 + 6N O2 + 2H2 O ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Carbon to carbon dioxide:

C + 2H2 S O4 → CO2 + 2H2 O + 2SO2
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Formation of Sulfuric Acid:

Roasting metallic sulfides:
4F eS2 + 11O2 → 2F e2 O3 + 8SO2
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Sulfur trioxide into oleum:

SO3 + H2 S O4 → H2 S2 O7
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Dilution of oleum:
H2 S2 O7 + H2 O → 2H2 S O4
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Dehydration Reactions:
Dehydration of organic acids:
Dehydration of organic acids:
Conc. H₂SO₄​
HCOOH ​ CO + H2 O
​

Dehydration of alcohols:
 Dehydration of alcohols:
Conc. H₂SO₄, 170°C​
C2 H5 OH
​ ​ ​ C2 H4 ↑ +H2 O
​ ​ ​

Acid-Base Reactions:
Neutralization of bases:
CuO + H2 S O4 → CuSO4 + H2 O
​ ​ ​ ​

N aOH + H2 S O4 → N aHSO4 + H2 O ​ ​ ​

Reactions with Salts:

Formation of insoluble sulfates:
P b(N O3 )2 + H2 S O4 → P bSO4 ↓ +2HN O3
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

BaCl2 + H2 S O4 → BaSO4 ↓ +2HCl

​ ​ ​ ​

Hydrolysis Reactions:
Sulfuric acid and water:
H2 S O4 + H2 O ⇌ H3 O+ + HSO4−
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Redox Reactions:
Hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid:
 Hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid:
H2 S + H2 S O4 → S + 2H2 O + SO2 ↑
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Dehydrating Agent Reactions:

Sugar and sulfuric acid:
C12 H22 O11 + H2 S O4 → 12C + 11H2 O
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Volatility Reactions:
Non-volatile nature of sulfuric acid:
 Non-volatile nature of sulfuric acid:
H2 S O4 (High boiling point)​→ Used for volatile acid preparation​
​ ​

6 REACTION TYPES: Application, Answerkey(AK) blend

EDUKOSH IN TABLE

ANSWER KEY
Solution 1
(a) Sulphuric acid is called King of Chemicals because there is no other manufactured
compound which is used by such a large number of key industries.
(b) Sulphuric acid is referred to as Oil of vitriol as it was obtained as an oily viscous
liquid by heating crystals of green vitriol.

Solution 2
(a)Two balanced equations to obtain SO2 is:
(i) 4FeS2 + 11O2

2Fe2O3 +8SO2
(ii) S +O2

SO2
(b) The conditions for the oxidation of SO2 are:
(i) The temperature should be as low as possible. The yield has been found to be
maximum at about 4100C-450oC
(ii) High pressure (2 atm) is favoured because the product formed has less volume than
reactant.
(iii) Excess of oxygen increases the production of sulphur trioxide.
(iv) Vanadium pentoxide or platinised asbestos is used as catalyst.
(c) Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5)
(d) Sulphuric acid is not obtained directly by reacting SO3 with water because the
reaction is highly exothermic which produce the fine misty droplets of sulphuric acid
that is not directly absorbed by water.
(e)The chemical used to dissolve SO3 is concentrated sulphuric acid. The product
formed is oleum.
Reaction involved in this process:
SO3 + H2SO4 → H2S2O7

Solution 3
Impurity of ARSENIC poisons the catalyst [i.e. deactivates the catalyst]. So, it must be
removed before passing the mixture of SO2 air through the catalytic chamber.

Solution 4
(a) The catalyst which helps in the conversion of sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide in
step C is Vanadium pentoxide.
(b) The two steps for the conversion of sulphur trioxide to sulphuric acid is:
(i) SO3 + H2SO4

H2S2O7
(ii) H2S2O7 + H2O

2H2SO4
(c)The substance that will liberate sulphur dioxide in step E is dilute H2SO4.
(d) The equation for the reaction by which sulphur dioxide is converted to sodium
sulphite in step F is:
SO2+2NaOH

Na2SO3+H2O
Or
Na2O+SO2

Na2SO3

Study of Compounds D. Sulphuric Acid Exercise Ex. 11

Solution 1
Water is not added to concentrated acid since it is an exothermic reaction. If water is
added to the acid, there is a sudden increase in temperature and the acid being in bulk
tends to spurt out with serious consequences.

Solution 2
Balanced reactions are:
(a) Acidic nature:
(i) Dilute H2SO4 reacts with basic oxides to form sulphate and water.
2 NaOH+H2SO4

Na2SO4+2H2O
(ii) CuO+H2SO4
CuSO4+H2O
(iii) It reacts with carbonate to produce CO2.
Na2CO3+H2SO4

Na2SO4+H2O+CO2

(b) Oxidising agent:

H2SO4

H2O +SO2 +[O]

Nascent oxygen oxidizes non-metals, metals and inorganic compounds.
For example,
Carbon to carbon dioxide
C+H2SO4

CO2 +H2O +2SO2

Sulphur to sulphur dioxide
S +H2SO4

3SO2 +2H2O

(d) Non-volatile nature:

It has a high boiling point (356oC) so it is considered to be non-volatile. Therefore, it is
used for preparing volatile acids like hydrochloric acid, nitric acid from their salts by
double decomposition reaction.
NaCl + H2SO4

NaHSO4 +HCl
KCl + H2SO4
KHSO4 +HCl

Solution 3
(a) When dilute hydrochloric acid is treated with lead nitrate, lead chloride formed is
soluble in hot water and when dilute sulphuric acid is treated with lead nitrate lead
sulphate formed does not dissolve in hot water.

(b)
1. Dilute sulphuric acid treated with zinc gives Hydrogen gas which bums with pop
sound.
Concentrated H2SO4 gives SO2 gas with zinc and the gas turns Acidified potassium
dichromate paper green.
2.Barium chloride solution gives white ppt. with dilute H2SO4, This white ppt. is
insoluble in all acids.
Concentrated H2SO4 and NaCl mixture when heated gives dense white fumes if glass
rod dipped in Ammonia solution is brought near it.

Solution 4
(a)When sulphuric acid reacts with sulphur the product formed is Sulphur dioxide is
formed.
S +2H2SO4

3SO2 + 2H2O
(b) When sulphuric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide it neutralizes base to form
sodium sulphate.
2NaOH + H2SO4

Na2SO4 + 2H2O
(c) When sulphuric acid reacts with sugar it forms carbon
C12 H22O11

12C + 11H2O
(d) When sulphuric acid reacts with carbon it forms carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide
gas.
C +2H2SO4

CO2 + 2H2O + 2SO2

(e) When sulphuric acid reacts with copper it forms copper sulphate and sulphur
dioxide.
Cu + H2SO4

CuSO4 + 2H2O + SO2

Solution 5
(a) Concentrated sulphuric acid is hygroscopic substance that absorbs moisture when
exposed to air. Hence, it is stored in air tight bottles.
(b) Sulphuric acid is not a drying agent for H2S because it reacts with H2S to form
sulphur.
H2SO4+H2S

2H2O+SO2+S

(c) Concentrated sulphuric acid has high boiling point (356oC). So, it is considered to be
non-volatile. Hence, it is used for preparing volatile acids like Hydrochloric acid and
Nitric acids from their salts by double decomposition.
NaCl+H2SO4

NaHSO4 +HCl
NaNO3 +H2SO4

NaHSO4 +HNO3

Solution 6
(a) Due to its reducing property. i.e, it is a non-volatile acid.
NaCl+ H2SO4

NaHSO4 + HCl
(Conc.)
(b) It is a dehydrating agent.
HCOOH

CO + H2O
(c) Acidic property: Magnesium is present above hydrogen in the reactivity series so
sulphuric acid is able to liberate hydrogen gas by reacting with magnesium strip.
Mg + H2SO4

MgSO4+H2
(d) Due to its oxidizing character
Cu +H2SO4

CuSO4 +2H2O +SO2

(e) Due to its dehydrating property Hydrogen chloride gas is passed through
concentrated sulphuric acid, it dries hydrogen chloride gas.
H2SO4 + H2O → H3O+ + HSO4−
(f)
(i) Reaction with Ethanol - dehydrating agent

(ii) Reaction with Carbon - oxidising agent

Solution 7
The name of the salt of
(a) Hydrogen sulphites and Sulphites.
(b) Sulphate and bisulphate.

Solution 8
(a) Two types of salts are formed when sulphuric acid reacts with NaOH because
sulphuric acid is dibasic.
NaOH + H2SO4

NaHSO4 + H2O
2NaOH + H2SO4

Na2SO4 + 2H2O
(b) A piece of wood becomes black when concentrated sulphuric acid is poured on it
because it gives a mass of carbon.
(c) When sulphuric acid is added to sodium carbonate it liberates carbon dioxide which
produces brisk effervescence.
Na2CO3+H2SO4

Na2SO4 +H2O+CO2

Solution 9

Column 1 Column 2
Column 3
Substance reacted Dilute or
Gas
with acid concentrated acid

Zinc Dilute sulphuric acid Hydrogen

Concentrated
Calcium carbonate Carbon dioxide
sulphuric acid

Bleaching power
Dilute sulphuric acid Only chlorine
CaOCl2

Solution 10
(i) Active metal + Acid ⟶ Metal sulphate + Hydrogen
(ii) Base + Acid ⟶ Salt + Water
(iii) Carbonate/hydrogen carbonate + Acid ⟶ Salt + Water + Carbon dioxide
(iv) Sulphide/hydrogen sulphite + Acid ⟶ Salt + Water + Sulphur dioxide
(v) Sulphide + Acid ⟶ Salt + Hydrogen sulphide

Solution 11(a)
Sulphuric acid is powerful dehydrating agent on account of its strong affinity towards
water.

Solution 11(b)
Concentrated sulphuric acid as
i. Oxidising agent:
The oxidising property of conc. sulphuric acid its due to the fact that on thermal
decomposition, it yeildsnacent oxygen [O].
H2SO4→ H2O + SO2 + [O]
ii. Non-volatile acid:
conc. sulphuric acid has high boiling point (338°C) that why it is said to be a non
volitile compound, therefore it is used for preparing volatile acids like hydrochloric
acids, nitric acids from there salts by double decomposition
H2SO4 + NaCl→ NaHSO4 + HCl

Solution 12
(i) B
(ii) D
(iii) C
(iv) A
(v) A

Solution 13
(a) The acid formed when sulphur dioxide dissolves in water is sulphurous acid.
(b) Carbondioxide gas is released when sodium carbonate is added to solution of
sulphur dioxide.

Solution 2008
a. (C) Lead nitrate
b. Liquid E is Ethanol.
c.
 Equation for
Name of catalyzed
Inputs Catalyst
process reaction
output
output

Sulphur
Contact Platinum or 2SO2 + O2 ⇄
dioxide + Sulphuric acid
process V2O5 2SO3
oxygen

d.
i. Zn + dil. H2SO4→ ZnSO4 + H2
ii. Na2CO3 + dil. H2SO4→ Na2SO4 + H2O + CO2
iii. Pb(NO3) + dil. H2SO4→ PbSO4 + 2HNO3
iv. Zn + dil. H2SO4→ ZnSO4 + H2
ZnSO4 + Na2CO3→ ZnCO3 + Na2SO4
e.
i. The property of concentrated sulphuric acid which allows it to be used in is used in
the action when sugar turns black in its presence is its dehydrating property.
ii. The property of concentrated sulphuric acid which allows it to be used in
thepreparation of hydrogen chloride and nitric acid is its non-volatility.
H2SO4 + BaCl2 → BaSO4 + 2HCl

Solution 2009
Hydrogen Chloride

Solution 2010
a.
i. S + H2SO4→ 3SO2 +2H2O.
ii. C12H22O11 + Conc. H2SO4→ 6C + 6H2O
b. ZnO + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2O.
c. C) Dilute sulphuric acid.

Solution 2011
a. Charring of sugar takes place. Sulphuric acid dehydrates sugar leaving behind carbon
which is black in colour.
b. i. Hydrogen sulphide
c. i.

ii.

d.
i. Non-volatile nature
ii. as an oxidising agent
iii. dehydrating

Solution 2012
a. Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S).
b.
i. (B) Dehydrating agent
ii. (D) Oxidising agent
iii. (C) Non-volatile acid
iv. (A) Dilute acid
v. (D) Oxidising agent
c. ZnS + dil.H2SO4→ ZnSO4 + H2S

Solution 2013
a. when Conc. H2SO4 is added to a crystal of hydrated copper sulphate,it removes
water of crystalisation from salt.
b. ii. Oxidising agent
c. C12H22O11 + Conc. H2SO4→ 6C + 6H2O
d. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4)

Solution 2014
a. C + H2SO4→ CO2 + 2H2O + 2SO2.
b. Sulphuric acid precipitates the insoluble sulphate of barium from the solution of
barium chloride.
BaCl2 + H2SO4→ BaSO4 + 2HCl
Dilute HCl does not react with barium chloride solution, and thus, no precipitate is
produced in the reaction.
c. Two conditions for the conversion of sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide is as
follows:
Temperature: 450-500° C Catalyst: V2O5

d.
i. Dehydrating property of sulphuric acid:
H2SO4 has a great affinity for water, and therefore, it acts as a dehydrating agent.

ii. Acidic nature of sulphuric acid:

It acts as a strong dibasic acid.
H2SO4→ 2Hi+ + SO42-
It reacts with metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, carbonates etc. to form metallic
sulphates and hydrogen at ordinary temperature.
Mg + H2SO4→ MgSO4 + H2↑
CuO + H2SO4→ CuSO4 + H2O
2NaOH + H2SO4→ Na2SO4 + 2H2O
ZnCO3 + H2SO4→ ZnSO4 + H2O + CO2↑
iii. As a non-volatile acid:
It has a high boiling point, so it is used to prepare volatile acids such as HCl, HNO3
and acetic acid from their salts.
NaCl + H2SO4→ NaHSO4 + HCl
NaNO3 + H2SO4→ NaHSO4 + HNO3
CH3COONa + H2SO4→ NaHSO4 + CH3COOH

Solution 2015
(a) In the contact process for the manufacture of sulphuric acid, the equations for the
conversion of sulphur trioxide to sulphuric acid are
SO3 + H2SO4 → H2S2O7
(oleum or pyrosulphuric acid)

H2S2O7 + H2O → 2H2SO4

(b)
(i) Action of sulphuric acid on potassium hydrogen carbonate
2KHCO3+ H2SO4→ K2SO4+ 2H2O + 2CO2↑
(ii) Action of sulphuric acid on sulphur
S + 2H2SO4→ 3SO2 + 2H2O
(c)
(i) Concentrated sulphuric acid
(ii) Concentrated sulphuric acid