Question

Question #82a89

Answer 1

I think you need to research the 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`.