Why might a strong acid such as H2SO4 be used in a dehydration opposed to a weak acid?
2007-10-15 12:13:33 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
In a strong acid, such as H2SO4, there are an abundance of H+ ions produced, which H-bond to water molecules to form a stable species, H3O+. A weak acid yields far fewer H+ to pick up water with.
2007-10-15 12:24:33 · answer #1 · answered by papastolte 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Strong H2SO4 has a high affinity for water while weak acid doesn't.
Commercially, gases with a high water vapour content must however be washed in three stages (Dehydration towers).
First with a weak acid solution, then a medium strength and finally with the strong acid in order to prevent heat build up due to the reaction of the acid with water.
(The towers operate in series with the weakened strong acid providing the medium strength acid and, as this becomes weakened it goes to the weak acid tower. Strong acid is added to the strong acid tank at the same rate as the weakend strong acid is transferred out).
(It's not easy to explain without a flow diagram accompanied by a full explanation).
2007-10-15 19:45:25 · answer #2 · answered by Norrie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Conc. H2SO4 is hydrophilic.
It takes up water strongly.
A weaker solution does not do it as well.
Other strong acids behave in a similar manner.
2007-10-15 19:26:05 · answer #3 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋