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Commentator

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Neutralization of Sulfuric Acid in Copper Sulfate Solution

02/17/2014 7:06 AM

I need to prepare from few litters to hundreds of litters of 30% Copper sulfate solution (surface spraying). Industrial grade Copper sulfate (crystals) are available in the market. Problem is that, they contain appreciable amount of Sulfuric acid which is not desirable for my purpose (being abrasive/corrosive to be used by general people). So it is to be neutralized by titration.

I knew that acid can be neutralized by base or alkali (water soluble base). I studied inorganic chemistry almost four decades ago & I am sorry that much of the subject have been forgotten by me.

I would like to know any base or alkali which when added to the copper sulfate solution would result in a water insoluble salt, so that after filtration there would be no Sulfuric acid in the copper sulfate solution. Thanks.

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#1

Re: Neutralization of Sulfuric acid in copper sulfate solution

02/17/2014 7:40 AM

Barium sulphate is very insoluble, so you could add barium hydroxide. Calcium sulphate is moderately soluble, about 1.6 gm/l, which I would guess is too high for your needs. But if not calcium hydroxide (lime) is likely to be much more readily available, and cheaper.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Neutralization of Sulfuric acid in copper sulfate solution

02/17/2014 9:18 AM

Dear Codemaster,

Thank you very much for co-operation. I shall try with lime.

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#3

Re: Neutralization of Sulfuric Acid in Copper Sulfate Solution

02/17/2014 10:27 AM

Excellent answer from Codemaster- providing it is not a concern if you have excess alkalinity or else you are prepared to titrate each batch.

Otherwise you could wash the solution with marble chips (calcium carbonate), which would likely be much slower but will not risk a pH overshoot.

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Neutralization of Sulfuric Acid in Copper Sulfate Solution

02/17/2014 12:33 PM

Dear JNB,

Codemaster solved my problem & you made me richer. However, Calcium sulfate 1.6gm/Lt & pH>7 won't do any harm for my purpose. Thanks.

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#5

Re: Neutralization of Sulfuric Acid in Copper Sulfate Solution

02/17/2014 10:51 PM

No matter what chemicals you use, what reaction you use or volumes you are working with MAKE SURE THE PROPER PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ARE USED BY EVERYONE! Sulfuric Acid at any strength, which you didn't mention, requires an extreme amount of caution and respect. You probably have seen what battery acid, a low concentration, can do to clothes and hands let alone eyes. Sulfuric is hydroscopic so it draws water out of such things as eyes, mouths, arms, legs, torsos, ears, noses, etc. which are burns of great pain.

Please show it the proper respect. If in doubt overprotect those involved. I gained extreme respect for it after someone's unauthorized apparatus exploded in a high school lab. No it wasn't mine but a couple of small burns were. Please use extreme caution no matter what mixture or concentration the material is if it has any sulfuric acid in it.

Good Luck, Old Salt

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#6
In reply to #5

Re: Neutralization of Sulfuric Acid in Copper Sulfate Solution

02/18/2014 10:28 AM

Dear Old Salt,

Thank you very much for alarming me. Your suggestions are highly valuable. Yes, I know the hazard & that's why I did want to make salt out of the acid. I do it myself & when would train people I will also alarm them. Thanks again.

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Codemaster (1); JNB (1); old salt (1); SYED MD. ANWAR UL ISLAM (3)

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