Sulfuric Acid: the King of Chemicals
Sulfuric acid earns the title of “king of chemicals” rightly: it’s the most commonly used chemical in the world. Your industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem proudly stocks the universal chemical, sulfuric acid, for your industry. The 180 million tons of sulfuric acid produced worldwide leads to widespread applications for well-established industrial businesses as well as niche markets. No matter your industry, your business will appreciate having Bell Chem’s sulfuric acid on hand.
Automotive Industry
Lead acid batteries need sulfuric acid to act as an electrolyte to stimulate electron flow between the battery’s positive and negative diodes. The ubiquity of sulfuric acid in auto batteries is so complete it is commonly referred to as battery acid. This type of acid also helps with another part that keeps cars running, the oil. Crude oil is refined utilizing sulfuric acid as a catalyst.
Industrial and Medical Uses
The oxidizing power of concentrated sulfuric acid catalyzes chemical oxidation/reduction reactions. At above average temperatures, sulfuric acid reacts strongly with metals and sugar, dissolving metal and releasing almost all water in sugar, leaving the hydrocarbon molecules with only carbon, which blackens and elongates into a “carbon snake.” Water and sulfuric acid form a violent combination, exuding intense heat. Sulfuric acid is also used in the manufacturing process of chemotherapeutic medicines and to lower pH levels in water treatment facilities.
Bleaching Properties
Sulfuric acid dissociates chloride dioxide, delignifying hardwood and softwood alike, which assists in paper bleaching. This acid also helps give white sugar its hue. Processing brown sugar from white sugar seems rather foreign since white sugar is simply brown sugar without molasses. Sugar bleaching requires chemical reactions to reduce the sugar to a white, fine texture before molasses is re-introduced. One of the chemicals within this process is sulfuric acid.
With all these uses that span across industries, it’s no wonder sulfuric acid is known as the “king of chemicals.” Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including sulfuric acid. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.