13 Facts on H2SO4 + F2: What, How To Balance & FAQs

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H2SO4 is a strong acid whereas F2 is one of the strongest oxidizing agents. Let us explore the feasibility of the reaction between H2SO4 and F2.

Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is highly corrosive . On the other hand, fluorine (F2) is one of the most reactive elements which mostly exists in nature in the form of its compounds.   

In this article, we will learn details about the possibility of reaction between H2SO4 and F2.  There will be no reaction between sulphuric acid and fluorine.

What is the product of H2SO4 and F2?

The H2SO4 + F2 reaction fails to take place so there is no product formation. Fluorine is the most powerful oxidizing agent, with oxidation potential of +2.65 V. Conversely, oxidation state of S in H2SO4 is + 6 which is the highest oxidation state of S. Therefore, H2SO4 cannot be further oxidized.

How to balance H2SO4 + F2?

H2SO4 + F2 reaction cannot be balanced due to no formation of products.

H2SO4 + F2 titration

A titration cannot be performed between F2 and H2SO4 as their chemical reaction is unknown.

H2SO4 + F2 net ionic equation

H2SO4 + F2 reaction has no net ionic equation.

H2SO4 + F2 conjugate pairs

H2SO4 + F2 reaction has the following conjugate pairs,

  • The conjugate pair of H2SO4 is HSO4–.
  • No conjugate pair exists for F2.

H2SO4 + F2 intermolecular forces

H2SO4 + F2 reaction has the following intermolecular forces,

  • F2 is a non-polar molecule, so a weak Vander wall force of interaction exists between fluorine molecules.
  • H2SO4, a polar covalent molecule (structure shown below), exhibits van der Waals dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding.

H2SO4 + F2 reaction enthalpy

Since no reaction happens between F2 and H2SO4, one cannot calculate enthalpy changes for their chemical reaction.

Is H2SO4 + F2 a buffer solution?

H2SO4 + F2 reaction is not a buffer solution because it is neither a combination of a weak acid and its conjugate base nor a weak base and its conjugate acid.

Is H2SO4 + F2 a complete reaction

H2SO4 + F2 reaction cannot be a complete reaction because both of them do not react with each other.

Is H2SO4 + F2 an exothermic or endothermic reaction?

H2SO4 + F2 reaction cannot be an exothermic or endothermic reaction because no reaction occurs between them.

Is H2SO4 + F2 a redox reaction

H2SO4 + F2 reaction cannot be a redox reaction because both of them do not react with each other.

Is H2SO4 + F2 a precipitation reaction ?

H2SO4 + F2 reaction cannot be a  precipitation reaction because no reaction happens between them.

Is H2SO4 + F2 reversible or irreversible reaction ?

H2SO4 + F2 is neither a reversible nor irreversible reaction because they do not react with each other.

Is H2SO4 + F2 displacement reaction?

H2SO4 + F2 reaction is not a displacement reaction because there is no reaction between F2 and H2SO4.

Conclusion

Sulphuric acid and fluorine do not react with each other even though both are highly reactive. This happens because fluorine, in spite of being a strong oxidizing agent, cannot oxidize sulphuric acid to the next higher level. In fact, sulphur atom in H2SO4 is already present in its highest oxidation state.