Contact Process: SO3 Not Absorbed in Water

[uzair_ha91]

Homework Statement

SO3 is not absorbed in water directly to form sulfuric acid because
A. Reaction doesn't go to completion
B. Reaction is slow.
C. Highly exothermic.
D. Insoluble

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

MY understanding: Because it results in the formation of mist or acid particles in air which does not condense easily.
From this I conclude that the answer is either C or D because the reaction does occur even though we don't get the product in the desired state and formation of mist doesn't seem slow to me...
Can anyone please clarify?

 

[chemisttree]

Direct absorbtion is kind of dangerous... it being so reactive with water and all.

 

[uzair_ha91]

So formation of that mist which manifests that the reaction is highly reactive means that reaction is exothermic?

 

[chemisttree]

Ooohhyeahhhh.

 

[DeeNos]

I understand that the Contact Process involves the production of sulfuric acid by reacting sulfur dioxide (SO2) with oxygen (O2) in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting product is sulfur trioxide (SO3), which is then absorbed in concentrated sulfuric acid to form sulfuric acid. However, in this process, SO3 is not directly absorbed in water to form sulfuric acid.

The reason for this is due to the highly exothermic nature of the reaction between SO3 and water. This means that a large amount of heat is released during the reaction, which can cause the water to vaporize and form mist or acid particles in the air. This mist or particles are not easily condensed, which makes it difficult to obtain the desired product in its pure form.

Furthermore, the reaction between SO3 and water is also very fast, making it difficult to control and regulate. This can result in incomplete reactions and a lower yield of sulfuric acid. Therefore, it is more efficient and practical to first absorb SO3 in concentrated sulfuric acid, which is a slower and more controlled process, before obtaining the final product of sulfuric acid.

In conclusion, the reason why SO3 is not absorbed in water directly to form sulfuric acid is due to its highly exothermic and fast reaction, which can lead to the formation of mist or acid particles in the air and incomplete reactions. Absorbing SO3 in concentrated sulfuric acid is a more efficient and controlled process for obtaining pure sulfuric acid.