Sr(OH)2, named strontium hydroxide, is a strong inorganic base, and H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) is a corrosive, powerful acid. Let us discuss their reaction deeply.
H2SO4 also known as the “oil of vitriol” is highly hygroscopic and is used as a strong dehydrating agent in organic synthesis. Sr(OH)2 is a soluble metal hydroxide with a density of 3.625 g/cm3. The reaction of Sr(OH)2 with H2SO4 is highly vigorous.
In this article, we will go through the reaction products, enthalpy, and molecular forces involved in the reaction of H2SO4 with Sr(OH)2.
What is the product of H2SO4 and Sr(OH)2
SrSO4 (strontium sulfate)and water are the products of the reaction H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2.
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 → SrSO4 + H2O
What type of reaction is H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 is a neutralization reaction. H2SO4 is an acid that neutralizes base Sr(OH)2 to give a salt (SrSO4).
How to balance H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 → SrSO4 + H2O
| elements involved | reactants side | product side |
|---|---|---|
| Sr | 1 | 1 |
| H | 4 | 2 |
| S | 1 | 1 |
| O | 6 | 5 |
The balanced equation for H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 is derived using the following steps
- The type of elements is identified and counted in both the reactants and the products.
- With the use of coefficients, the compounds are balanced on either side of the equation. A coefficient of 2 is added before H2O and thus the balanced equation is
- H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 → SrSO4 + 2H2O
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 titration
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 is an example of strong acid vs strong base titration.
Apparatus
Volumetric flask, beaker, funnel, measuring cylinder, burette, pipette, conical flask
Indicator
The phenolphthalein indicator is used in this titration.
Procedure
- The standard solution of Sr(OH)2 is prepared in a volumetric flask. Then this solution was filled into the burette.
- 15 ml of the unknown solution of H2SO4 is taken into a conical flask and 2-3 drops of the indicator are added.
- Sr(OH)2 is added dropwise into the conical flask with constant stirring.
- The endpoint of the reaction is marked by light pink color. The concordant readings are taken for calculating the concentration of the unknown H2SO4 solution.
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 net ionic equation
The net ionic equation for H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 is
2H+(aq)+ SO42-(aq) + Sr2+(aq) + 2OH– (aq) → SrSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)
Following are the steps to derive the net ionic equation
- The balanced equation is written by using coefficients.
- H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 → SrSO4 + 2H2O
- The states (solid, gas, liquid, or aqueous) is shown in the next step.
- H2SO4(aq) + Sr(OH)2(aq) → SrSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)
- The strong electrolytes are split into their corresponding ions. Water is a weak electrolyte so it will not split.
- 2H+(aq)+ SO42-(aq) + Sr2+(aq) + 2OH– (aq) → SrSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)
- The spectator ions are crossed out and the net ionic equation is
- 2H+(aq)+ SO42-(aq) + Sr2+(aq) + 2OH– (aq) → SrSO4(s) + 2H2O(l)
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 conjugate pairs
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 will constitute a conjugate pair as,
- H2SO4 is an acid that gives H+ to form SO42- as its conjugate base.
- H2O is the conjugate acid of OH– formed by accepting H+.
H2SO4 + OH– = SO42- + H2O
H2SO4 and Sr(OH)2 intermolecular forces
- Hydrogen bonding, dispersion forces, and dipole-dipole interactions are present in the molecules of H2SO4.
- Electrostatic interactions are found in Sr(OH)2 as it is ionic.
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 reaction enthalpy
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 reaction enthalpy is -151.63 KJ/mol. The enthalpy is calculated by putting the listed values in the formula below,
| Species involved | enthalpy in KJ/mol |
|---|---|
| Sr(OH)2 | -963.8 |
| H2SO4 | -909.27 |
| SrSO4 | -1453.1 |
| H2O | -285.8 |
- ∆Hf°(reaction) = ∆Hf°(products) – ∆Hf°(reactants)
= -2024.7 – (-1873.07)
= -151.63
Is H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 a buffer solution
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 will not make a buffer solution as the acid(H2SO4) used here is a strong acid and the sulfate obtained is insoluble.
Is H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 a complete reaction
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 is a complete reaction as after complete neutralization salt (SrSO4) is obtained that will not react further.
Is H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 an exothermic or endothermic reaction
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 is an exothermic reaction due to the evolution of the heat. The enthalpy is negative for the reaction.
Is H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 a redox reaction
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 is not a redox reaction as there is no change of oxidation is observed for the elements involved in the reaction.
Is H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 a precipitation reaction
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 is a precipitation reaction as the product (SrSO4) obtained is insoluble in water and will form a precipitate.
Is H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 reversible or irreversible reaction
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 is an irreversible reaction because the products will not react to give back the reactants making backward reaction less feasible.
Is H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 displacement reaction
H2SO4 + Sr(OH)2 is a double displacement reaction where,
- Sr is more reactive than hydrogen so it displaces H+ from its salt and forms SrSO4.
- H+ combines with OH– to form H2O.
Conclusion
The reaction is an irreversible exothermic reaction. Sr(OH)2 is used in beet sugar refining and is also used as a stabilizer in plastic. Sr(OH)2 can absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air to form strontium carbonate.
Hi! I am Lubna Khan. I have done my Postgraduation in Chemistry at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. I have been in academia for years and have always welcomed new opportunities, lifestyles, and cultures coming my way.
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