Sulforic Acid Gerber
| Formula: | H2O4S |
| Chemical formula: | H2SO4 |
| Density: | 1.82 g/cm3 (20 °C) |
| Molar mass: | 98.08 g/mol |
| CAS number: | 7664-93-9 |
| EC index number: | 016-020-00-8 |
| HS code: | 28070010 |
| EC number: | 231-639-5 |
| Storage (temperature): | Without limitations. |
| SDS | available |
| RTECS: | WS5600000 |
| R phrase: | R 35 |
| S phrase: | S 26-30-45 |
| Odour: | odourless |
| Form: | liquid |
| Color: | colourless |
| PH value: | 0.3 (49 g/l 25 °C) |
| Solubility in water: | (20°C) soluble, |
| Solubility in ethanol: | soluble, |
| Boiling point: | ~ 335 °C |
| Melting point: | ~ 3 °C |
| Vapour pressure: | ~ 0.0001 hpa (20 °C) |
| Thermal decomposition: | ~ 338 °C |
| Viscosity dynamical: | ~ 24 mPa*s (20 °C) |
| Assay | 90.0 – 91.0 | % | |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Specific gravity | 1.815 – 1.821 | g/cm3 | |
| Nitrate | ≤ | 0.0002 | % |
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 5.0 | ppm |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ | 0.005 | % |
| Reducing Substances | Conforms |
Sulfuric acid is a dense, colorless to slightly yellow, oily liquid that is a strong mineral acid widely used in laboratories, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processes. It is highly corrosive and a powerful dehydrating and oxidizing agent.
🏭⚗️ Production
Sulfuric acid is produced industrially by the Contact process, involving the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, which is then absorbed in water to form H₂SO₄. Laboratory grades may be diluted or purified depending on intended use.
🔬 Properties
Its chemical formula is H₂SO₄ with a molar mass of 98.08 g/mol. It is highly soluble in water with great heat release upon dilution. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid, fully dissociating in aqueous solutions, with a very low pH and strong oxidizing power. It reacts vigorously with water, organic compounds, metals, and bases.
🧪 Applications
In laboratory and pharmaceutical settings, sulfuric acid is used for pH adjustment, digestion of samples, synthesis of pharmaceuticals and intermediates, dehydration reactions, and as a catalyst. The term “Gerber sulfuric acid” often refers to its specific use in Gerber method for fat determination in dairy products, where it acts to digest proteins and release fat.
⚠️ Safety
Sulfuric acid is highly corrosive and poses severe hazards on skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Inhalation of vapors can cause severe irritation and damage. It requires handling with extreme caution, using appropriate personal protective equipment such as acid-resistant gloves, goggles, face shields, and working in a fume hood. It should be stored in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers away from organic materials and bases.
