Chemical Conundrum

[ed_saifa]

In the contact process, one of the following reaction occurs,



Where did the sulfuric acid first come from?

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[cara.mel]

Why, from the reaction before it of course
(the H2S2O7 + H2O I think => 2H2SO4 one, steal one reuse one)

The infinite knowledge of wikipedia told me that the discovery of H2SO4 outdates the contact process by about 1000 years, therefore we can assume there are other ways to produce H2SO4 to add it in there in the first place but are less efficient

[Mao]

it's only logical to assume that some sulfuric acid produced (at the end) is looped back into this reaction.
This would be the easiest method, as the production of sulfuric acid is continual (not batch), so from when a suitable output is established and maintained, a portion of the final product is reintroduced in the absorption tower to keep the production going.

as for where the sulfuric acid was first obtained from when the production first begun: other sulfuric acid plants
as for where the sulfuric acid was first obtained from the first sulfuric acid plant: it is a naturally occuring compound

ON THAT NOTE: the absorption of sulfur trioxide into oleum is only an optional step, to avoid producing a sulfuric acid mist as the reaction of sulfur trioxide and water is higher exothermic. so this step is not essential to the production of sulfuric acid. If they wanted to get some sulfuric acid to start off with, I'm sure they can just react some SO₃ with water... It'll be very hot but.

[Collin Li]

Were you trying to reproduce the chicken and egg question?

[ed_saifa]

Were you trying to reproduce the chicken and egg question?

What chicken and egg?

[Toothpaste]

Were you trying to reproduce the chicken and egg question?

What chicken and egg?

http://vcenotes.com/forum/index.php/topic,1027.0.html

[Mao]

egg came first. i swear it did