Source Of Sulfuric Acid Discovered By Muslim Alchemist Jabir Ibn Hayyen

To know about the Source of Sulfuric Acid one has to go few centuries back. In 8th Century the acid was actually discovered by a Muslim alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyen (Geber). But at present it is one of the most important substance used in any chemical industry. According to the statistics and analysts, it is predicted that the sulfuric acid production will gradually fall. It had already come down to 74cents/lb in 2007.

Due to to its glassy appearance it was known as Oil of Vitriol, Spirit of Vitriol or simply Vitriole in the medieval period. Sulfur was also called the Philosophers Stone. Later in seventeenth century the Source of Sulfuric Acid was found to be sulfur and saltpeter or potassium nitrate(KNO3).This process was used for the large scale production of sulfuric acid till 1736. But in 1746 the lead chamber process was used which was successful in 35-40% concentrated sulfuric acid production.

But with the advent of 18th century a new technique of dry distillation of minerals was used. It became a rich Source of Sulfuric Acid of 78% concentration. This process was similar to the alchemical processes. Pyrite or iron disulfide was heated in air producing ferrous sulfate. This decomposed at 4800c to yield ferrous oxide and sulfur trioxide. When sulfur trioxide was allowed to pass through water it produced sulfuric acid. But this process was expensive so did not turn out well.

Finally the contact process became the Source of Sulfuric Acid. This was first discovered by a British vinigar merchant, Peregrine Phillips in 1831.This contact process is by far the most economic both in terms of time and expenditure. It is still used in the producyion of sulfuric acid. All it requires are one dryer, one furnace, 4 or 5 reactors, two absorbers and mixing tank.

The contact process is the most optimum procedure besides being an environmental one. It produces minimum 99.7% of sulfur trioxide inside the reactors. It is surprising to know that our body also serves as the Source of Sulfuric Acid. Many proteins taken by us include sulfur containing amino acids like cysteine and methionine. Metabolism of these amino acids release4 lot of sulfuric acid.

A trivia might be unknown to many of us. While cutting onion a gas called propnethiol-S oxide is released. Onion contains the this gas. When it comes in contact withwater in our eyes it produces sulfuric acid. Our eyes starts blinking and produces tears which helps to flush out the acid. Thus onion is also a Source of Sulfuric Acid. Frozen sulfuric acid was discovered by NASAs spacecraft, Galelio on the the Jupiters moon Europa. It appeared as the yellow, glowing most intence part of the moon. Sulfuric acid