Essay: Chemistry of Hazardous Materials

Sample Essay

Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a naturally occurring mineral acid which is known for being soluble in water at any concentration. The most common substance in such cultural makers is Limestone which i calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) a weak base. The primary way in which these two substances react on these structures is by way of acid rain. The creation of acid rain is directly tied to the solubility of Sulfuric acid in water, while the presence of sulfur dioxide significantly increases the chances of a corrosive reaction occurring between the two substances.

In the air sulfur dioxide undergoes the following chemical reactions to become sulfuric acid:

SO₂ + H₂O –> H₂SO₃

SO₃ + H₂O –> H₂SO₄

This reaction is known as acidification of sulfur dioxide to sulfuric acid. This acid precipitation in the air allows it to react with calcium carbonate in the following way:

CaCO₃ + H₂SO₄ –> CaSO₄ + H₂CO₃

This reaction is an acid-base neutralization reaction where calcium sulfate and carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is by nature unstable in air therefore it breaks down into carbon dioxide and water.

H₂CO₃ –> CO₂ gas + H₂O

Please go to the order form to order essays, research papers, term papers, thesis, dissertation, case study, assignments on this essay topic.