Key learning points

1. The Contact Process involves the production of sulfur trioxide (SO₃) from sulfur dioxide (SO₂) using a catalyst.
2. The process has three main stages: burning sulfur to produce SO₂, converting SO₂ to SO₃, then converting SO₃ to H₂SO₄.
3. The conversion of SO₂ to SO₃ is a reversible reaction performed at 1-2 atmospheres and 450°C, using a V₂O₅ catalyst.
4. Sulfuric acid production is energy-intensive and releases large amounts of CO₂, contributing to global emissions.
5. Sulfuric acid is vital for various industries, such as: fertilisers, chemical manufacturing, and petroleum refining.

Keywords

• Raw material - The starting materials used to make products are known as the raw materials.

• Feedstock - Refers to raw materials used in chemical processes to produce other substances.

• Contact process - An industrial method for producing sulfuric acid by oxidising sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide.

• Exothermic - A type of reaction in which energy is transferred from the reactants to the surroundings.

• Corrosive - A substance that causes damage by chemical action, often resulting in severe injury or destruction.

Common misconception