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Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/Sulfates and sulfuric acid

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Expert: - 12/13/2004


Question
Good day,

I would like to know if it is possible to revert an acid-base reaction by means of electricity. I know that electricity can revert some redox reactions.
In more practical terms, I would like to know whether is possible to obtain sulfuric acid and a base from a sulfate, i.e. from alum or Epsom salts (I think that Epsom salts would work better since MgOH is not soluble in water).

If it is possible to run this reaction (is it electrolisis correct for it?), I would assume that some non-reactive electrodes would be required, lead or graphite for sulfuric acid, for example. Am I correct?

Thanks in advance.

Omar


Answer
In the case of an acid/base reaction, the electrolysis will act on the water first giving H2 and O2.  The ions may get involved in other redox reactions such as SO4-2 to  SO2 or solid sulfur.  You aren't going to get the acid/base back unless the derived from a redox reaction in the first place.

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Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

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Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

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PhD, MS, BS in Chemistry

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