Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Methods of Preparation of Acids

Acids can be prepared through several chemical methods. The most common include reactions involving acid anhydrides, direct combination, displacement, and double decomposition.

(a) From Acid Anhydrides  

- Acid anhydrides are oxides of non‑metals.  

- When dissolved in water, they produce acids.  

- Example:  

  - SO₃ + H₂O → H₂SO₄ (Sulphur trioxide forms sulphuric acid)  

(b) By Direct Combination  

- Hydrogen combines directly with halogens (Br, I, Cl, F) in the presence of catalysts.  

- This yields a gaseous product which becomes acidic when dissolved in water.  

- Example:  

  - H₂ + Cl₂ → 2HCl (gas)  

  - Dissolved in water → Hydrochloric acid  

(c) Displacement Method  

- A strong, non‑volatile acid can displace a weaker, volatile acid from its salt.  

- Example:  

  - H₂SO₄ + NaCl → HCl (gas) + NaHSO₄  

(d) Double Decomposition / Precipitation Method  

- Achieved by passing hydrogen sulphide gas (H₂S) into a metallic salt solution.  

- This causes precipitation of an insoluble sulphide.  

- Example:  

  - H₂S + Pb(NO₃)₂ → PbS (precipitate) + 2HNO₃  

  - Lead sulphide (PbS) is formed as an insoluble solid.  

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