Sulfuric acid production primarily involves the Contact Process, which converts sulfur dioxide into sulfur trioxide. This is achieved by burning sulfur in the presence of oxygen, followed by the reaction of sulfur trioxide with water to form sulfuric acid.
The process requires careful control of temperature and pressure to maximize yield. Catalysts, such as vanadium pentoxide, are often used to speed up the reaction. Sulfuric acid is a vital industrial chemical, used in fertilizers, batteries, and various chemical processes.