Sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid (CAS 7664-93-9), also known historically as oil of vitriol and approved as E513 in food-grade applications, is one of the most produced industrial chemicals globally.

It functions as a strong mineral acid used across manufacturing, processing, and treatment operations where acidification, catalysis, or chemical synthesis is required for various industrial outputs.

In fertilizer production, it converts phosphate rock into superphosphate and reacts with ammonia to produce ammonium sulfate, making it the backbone of agricultural chemical manufacturing.

Petroleum refining operations rely on it to alkylate hydrocarbons and remove impurities from fuels and lubricants. Metal processing and mining use it for ore leaching and pickling steel surfaces.

Electroplating baths require precise acid concentration to determine process yield. Water treatment and pH regulation applications consume significant volumes for neutralizing alkaline effluents.

Sulfuric acid is supplied as a liquid in concentrations typically ranging from 93% to 98% for industrial use, with dilute grades available for specific process requirements in manufacturing.

Standard commercial grades include technical, battery, and reagent specifications, alongside food-grade E513 for permitted food processing uses across the global supply chain.

It is transported in bulk tankers, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and drums depending on volume and concentration requirements to ensure safe delivery to industrial facilities.