tom haggen - 23-12-2004 at 21:30
I was diluting some conc. H2SO4 today for a synthesis that called for dilute sulfuric acid. When I added the acid to water I got an intense exothermic
reaction. I was just wondering if this acid will still work for my synthesis, or if it is crap now?
Magpie - 23-12-2004 at 21:39
This is the normal "heat of solution" and is indeed strongly exothermic. It will in no way harm your acid.
It can, however, harm you if not done carefully. You correctly added the acid to the water and not vice versa. This prevents spattering. It still
should be done carefully and slowly. I like to keep the water vessel in an ice bath as I'm slowly adding the acid and stirring.
tom haggen - 23-12-2004 at 21:50
I think i'm going to be studying thermo chemistry next term so I will probably be learning more about this topic.