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sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
A highly corrosive, dense, oily liquid, colorless to dark brown depending on its purity. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is an oxidizing agent, reacting with metals, sulfur, and carbon on heating, and is a powerful dehydrating agent. In aqueous solution it is a strong acid, and reacts with bases and most metals to give sulfates. Fuming sulfuring acid, or oleum, is 100% sulfuric acid containing dissolved sulfur trioxide; it is used to manufacture sulfonic acid.
Sulfuric acid is used to manufacture a variety of chemicals including fertilizers, dyestuffs, paints, detergents, and explosives. It was formerly known as "oil of vitriol".
Sulfuric acid is manufactured industrially by the contact process. It has a melting point of 10°C and a boiling point of 338°C.
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