Sulfuric Acid and Calcium Carbonate
H2SO4 + CaCO3 → CaSO4 + H2O + CO2
Overview
Sulfuric acid reacts with calcium carbonate to form calcium sulfate, water, and carbon dioxide. Unlike HCl, this reaction can be self-limiting because the insoluble calcium sulfate coats the limestone surface, slowing further reaction. This is why HCl is preferred over H₂SO₄ for dissolving limestone.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Sulfuric Acid H₂SO₄ | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Calcium Carbonate CaCO₃ | 1 | (s) |
| Product | Calcium Sulfate CaSO₄ | 1 | (s) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 1 | (l) |
| Product | Carbon Dioxide CO₂ | 1 | (g) |
Everyday Example
Acid rain containing sulfuric acid damages limestone buildings and marble statues through this reaction, causing surface erosion over decades.
Industrial Importance
This reaction is relevant to acid rain damage assessment, flue gas desulfurization (wet limestone scrubbing), and phosphoric acid production from phosphate rock.
Properties
- Type
- Acid-Base
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -26.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System
Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization
Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water
Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base)
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl
Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid
Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Sulfuric Acid and Calcium Carbonate?
The balanced equation is: H₂SO₄ + CaCO₃ → CaSO₄ + H₂O + CO₂.
What type of reaction is Sulfuric Acid and Calcium Carbonate?
Sulfuric Acid and Calcium Carbonate is a acid-base reaction.
Is Sulfuric Acid and Calcium Carbonate exothermic or endothermic?
Sulfuric Acid and Calcium Carbonate is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -26.0 kJ/mol.