Sulfuric acid is a powerful mineral acid that reacts with Formic acid, a weak acid. Let us study how their reaction proceeds, along with other aspects of this reaction.
Sulfuric acid, a hygroscopic chemical, reacts with formic acid to give a dehydration reaction. H2SO4 often known as oil of vitriol, is an odorless, water-soluble, viscous liquid that functions as an oxidizing and dehydrating agent. HCOOH, also known as methanoic acid, is a colorless, fuming liquid with a pungent odor.
HCOOH is used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. This article shall go through various features of the reaction, such as the products, reaction type, reaction enthalpy, etc.
What is the product of H2SO4 and HCOOH
Carbon monoxide gas and sulfuric acid hydrate are formed as major products when H2SO4 is reacted with HCOOH. Vapors of water are also evolved during the reaction.
H2SO4 (aq) + HCOOH (l) —-> CO (g) + H2SO4 (aq) + H2O (g)
What type of reaction is H2SO4 + HCOOH
H2SO4 + HCOOH is a dehydration reaction as a water molecule is removed from HCOOH during the reaction.
How to balance H2SO4 + HCOOH
The chemical equation to be balanced: H2SO4 + HCOOH = CO + H2SO4 + H2O
The steps to equate the reaction mentioned above are as follows:
- Each element’s total number of atoms must be the same on both the reactant and product sides for the reaction to be balanced.
| Atoms | Reactant Side | Product Side |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfur | 1 | 1 |
| Carbon | 1 | 1 |
| Hydrogen | 4 | 4 |
| Oxygen | 6 | 6 |
- In this case, since the count of all the atoms of each element is already equal on both the reactant and product side; thus the chemical reaction can be labeled as a balanced reaction.
- Hence, the final balanced reaction is mentioned below.
- H2SO4 + HCOOH = CO + H2SO4 + H2O
H2SO4 + HCOOH Titration
Titration between H2SO4 and HCOOH is not possible because both reactants are acids, with H2SO4 being a strong acid and HCOOH being a weak acid. As an outcome, no distinct color change would be observed and secondly, the presence of a base is required for a successful titration.
H2SO4 + HCOOH Net Ionic Equation
The net ionic equation is : H+ (l) + HCOO– (l) = CO (g) + H2O (g)
The steps to derive the net ionic equation are as follows:
- Firstly, The complete balanced equation is written along with their respective physical states.
- H2SO4 (aq) + HCOOH (l) —-> CO (g) + H2SO4 (aq) + H2O (g)
- The atoms are now split into ions after which the spectator ions are removed. Hence, the net ionic equation for the reaction between H2SO4 and HCOOH is:
- H+ (l) + HCOO– (l) = CO (g) + H2O (g)
H2SO4 + HCOOH Conjugate Pairs
- Conjugate base of H2SO4 (by donating a proton)= HSO4–
- Conjugate base of HCOOH = HCOO–
H2SO4 and HCOOH Intermolecular Forces
- Van der waals dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding forces are the intermolecular forces present in H2SO4.
- HCOOH exhibits dipole-dipole forces, hydrogen bonding, and dispersion forces, with dipole-dipole forces being the strongest.
H2SO4 and HCOOH Reaction Enthalpy
The reaction enthalpy of H2SO4 + HCOOH is 72.42 kJ/mol.
| Compounds | Moles | Enthalpy of Formation, ΔH⁰f (kJ/mol) |
|---|---|---|
| H2SO4 | 1 | -909.27 |
| HCOOH | 1 | -424.72 |
| CO | 1 | -110.5 |
| H2O | 1 | -241.8 |
- The standard enthalpy of a reaction is calculated using the formula: ΔH⁰f (reaction) = ΣΔH⁰f (products) – ΣΔH⁰f (reactants)
- Enthalpy change = [1*(-110.5) + 1*(-909.27) + 1*(-241.8)] – [1*(-909.27) + 1*(-424.72)] = 72.42 kJ/mol
Is H2SO4 and HCOOH a Buffer Solution
H2SO4 + HCOOH does not form a buffer in the solution due to the presence of H2SO4, which is a strong acid.
Is H2SO4 and HCOOH a Complete Reaction
H2SO4 + HCOOH is a complete reaction since the products formed are complete, which depicts that the reactants have been consumed completely, thereby achieving equilibrium.
Is H2SO4 and HCOOH an Exothermic or Endothermic Reaction
H2SO4 + HCOOH is an endothermic reaction as the enthalpy change of the reaction is positive, and heat is absorbed for the reaction to reach completion.
Is H2SO4 and HCOOH a Redox Reaction
H2SO4 + HCOOH is not a redox reaction since neither oxidation nor reduction occurs throughout the reaction mechanism.
Is H2SO4 + HCOOH a Precipitation Reaction
H2SO4 + HCOOH is not a precipitation reaction as no precipitate formation is observed in the solution on completion of the reaction.
Is H2SO4 + HCOOH Reversible or Irreversible Reaction
The reaction H2SO4 + HCOOH is irreversible because complete products are produced that cannot be reversed unless the reaction conditions are changed.
Is H2SO4 + HCOOH Displacement Reaction
H2SO4 + HCOOH is not a displacement reaction, as no exchange of atoms or ions occurs in this reaction.
Conclusion
The reaction of H2SO4 with HCOOH produces a mixture of carbon monoxide gas and water vapors. Carbon monoxide produced is an odorless, flammable gas that is a key ingredient in chemical industries and has therapeutic potential. This reaction serves as an efficient endothermic dehydration reaction.
Hello, I am Padmakshi Kotoky working as a Subject Matter Expert on this platform. I have completed my post-graduation from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. I have always found Chemistry an intriguing subject and enjoy exploring more on it. I would like to utilize this platform to explain the subject in an easy and precise manner making it simpler for the readers to understand the concepts with clarity. I engage myself in Singing, Dancing, and nature photography during my leisure time.
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