How to Make Concentrated Sulfuric Acid from Cheap Household Products
Concentrated sulfuric acid can be obtained by purchasing industrial drain openers or battery acid, then concentrating or refining these materials through careful boiling or evaporation steps. These common sources offer relatively pure sulfuric acid in affordable quantities for experimental or industrial use.
Source Materials for Concentrated Sulfuric Acid
Industrial drain openers often contain about 93% sulfuric acid with minimal additives. Brands like Rooto can be bought from hardware stores such as True Value or Ace. This product provides a convenient and potent acid source without additional inhibitors, making it suitable for concentration processes.
Another cost-effective source is automotive battery acid. A 1.5-gallon container costs roughly $12.99 and is available at auto parts stores like O’Reilly Auto Parts. The battery acid typically has a lower concentration but can be boiled down to enrich its sulfuric acid content to over 99%.
Concentration and Purification Process
Battery acid is concentrated by boiling it carefully to remove water and impurities. This evaporation reduces volume while increasing acid concentration. From the initial 1.5 gallons, about half a gallon of nearly pure sulfuric acid can be obtained after boiling.
Legal Considerations
Purchasing and handling sulfuric acid is regulated in many countries. In the UK, solutions above 15% concentration require a government license. Unauthorized acquisition or use can lead to severe legal consequences.
Users must exercise caution. Improper use or attempts to produce forbidden substances involving sulfuric acid could result in heavy fines or imprisonment, emphasizing the need to respect laws governing its possession.
Additional Notes on Sulfuric Acid
- Sulfuric acid is widely available since it is an industrial waste product and tends to be cheaper than many common liquids, including petrol or milk.
- Nitric acid is another available strong acid but usually only up to 70% concentration.
Summary of Key Points
- Industrial drain openers contain ~93% sulfuric acid suitable for collection.
- Battery acid can be boiled down to >99% sulfuric acid efficiently.
- Legal regulations restrict purchase of acid above certain concentrations.
- Improper use carries significant legal risks.
- Sulfuric acid is inexpensive due to its industrial waste origin.
What is a cheap household source of concentrated sulfuric acid?
Industrial drain openers like Rooto brand contain about 93% sulfuric acid without inhibitors. They are available at stores like True Value or Ace.
Can battery acid be used to obtain concentrated sulfuric acid?
Yes. A 1.5-gallon box of battery acid can be boiled down to get roughly half a gallon of over 99% sulfuric acid. This method is cost-effective and quick.
How is battery acid concentrated to produce pure sulfuric acid?
Boiling battery acid removes water and impurities. This concentrates the acid close to 99% purity, resulting in highly concentrated sulfuric acid.
Are there legal restrictions on buying or handling sulfuric acid?
In the UK, buying sulfuric acid above 15% concentration requires a government license. Handling concentrated acid without permission may lead to serious legal penalties.
Why is sulfuric acid considered cost-effective compared to other acids?
Sulfuric acid is a byproduct in many industries, making it cheaper than common items such as petrol or milk. This lowers its commercial cost significantly.
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