H2SO5, also known as peroxosulfuric acid or Caro’s acid, is an important chemical substance. Its English name is Peroxydisulfuric acid. Its molecular mass comprises of 2 hydrogen atoms, 2 sulfur atoms, and 5 oxygen atoms. The molecular weight of H2SO5 is 114.07 g/mol. The H2SO5 molecule has a complex structure with a peroxide bond between two hydroxyl (OH) groups and sulfur.
In terms of properties, H2SO5 is a colorless, odorless and highly corrosive liquid. Its state in standard conditions is liquid and has a very low pH, indicating strong acidity. Its chemical properties are characterized by its strong oxidizing ability, capable of reacting with metals, acids, non-metals, and salts.
H2SO5 is commonly used in chemical reactions as an oxidizing agent. For example, it can react with metals such as Fe, Cu, or Zn to produce sulfate salts and oxygen. It also reacts with acids like HCl, HNO3 to produce other products. When reacting with non-metals like Cl, Br, I, it produces corresponding products. In addition, it can also react with salts like NaCl, KCl to produce other products.
To prepare H2SO5 in the laboratory, H2SO4 is usually made to react with H2O2. In the industry, it is typically produced by reacting H2SO4 with O2 under high pressure and high temperature conditions.