What is the Difference Between Sulphuric Acid and Hydrochloric Acid?

Sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid are both strong acids, but they have some differences in terms of strength, proton donation, and molecular structure. Here are the main differences between sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid:

1. Strength: Sulfuric acid is considered a stronger acid than hydrochloric acid. This is because sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid, meaning it can donate two protons (H+) per molecule, while hydrochloric acid is a monoprotic acid, meaning it can donate only one proton per molecule.
2. Molecular Structure: The molecular formula of hydrochloric acid is HCl, and it has one hydrogen atom and one chlorine atom. Sulfuric acid, on the other hand, has the molecular formula H2SO4 and consists of two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms.
3. Proton Donation: Since sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid and hydrochloric acid is a monoprotic acid, one mole of sulfuric acid produces two times as many H+ ions as one mole of hydrochloric acid.
4. Concentration: Hydrochloric acid is hydrogen chloride gas dissolved in water, with a maximum concentration of about 38%. Sulfuric acid can be almost pure as a liquid.

Both acids are highly corrosive and have various industrial applications, including cleaning, electroplating, and pigment production. They are also used in the production of other chemical compounds and in the food industry.

Comparative Table: Sulphuric Acid vs Hydrochloric Acid

Here is a table comparing the differences between sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl):

Both sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid are strong acids, but they have different chemical compositions, properties, and reactions with other compounds.