Question #82a89

1 Answer
anor277
Jun 20, 2016

I think you need to research the [contact process.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_process)

Explanation:

AFAIK, elemental sulfur is oxidized stepwise to give SO_3:

S(s) +O_2(g)rarrSO_2(g)

2SO_2(g) + O_2(g) rarr 2SO_3(g)

The sulfur trioxide could be directly treated with water to give H_2SO_4. I have seen a couple of plants, and it is an incredibly dirty and smelly process. Of course, both oxidations are catalyzed; I think supported V_2O_5 is the catalyst of choice.

One thing the reaction has got going for it, is that both oxidations are exothermic. Sulfur trioxide may be directly converted to sulfuric acid:

SO_3(g) + H_2O(g) rarr H_2SO_4(aq)

But this opens another can of worms. Usually sulfuric acid is reacted directly with sulfur trioxide to give oleum, H_2S_2O_7, which is the feedstock for H_2SO_4.

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