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 Calcium Carbonate CaCO₃ 1 (s)
Reactant Sulfuric Acid H₂SO₄ 1 (aq)
Product Carbon Dioxide CO₂ 1 (g)
Product Water H₂O 1 (l)
Product Calcium Sulfate CaSO₄ 1 (s)

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.