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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: sci994 on April 08, 2011, 08:18:05 AM

Title: concentrated sulfuric acid in lab
Post by: sci994 on April 08, 2011, 08:18:05 AM

After using concentrated sulfuric acid in laboratory, should it be neutralized with NaOH...If not what to do with the rest of concentrated acid? Thanks  :) :) :) :) :) :)

Title: Re: concentrated sulfuric acid in lab
Post by: DevaDevil on April 08, 2011, 09:56:15 AM

you can best neutralize it with a slightly less strong base (less excessive reaction), for example calcium carbonate (chalk) powder. carbon dioxide will escape to the air and you will be left with mainly harmless calcium sulfate salt.

be aware to do this safe: add the acid very gently in small portions to the chalk, else the reaction will get very hot.