Final answer:
Sulfuric acid is produced in a larger quantity than any other chemical in the United States. It is used in the production of fertilizers, pigments, alcohol, paper, and detergents. Sulfuric acid is an important and versatile commodity chemical with widespread industrial applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sulfuric acid is produced in a larger quantity than any other chemical in the United States. It is used in the production of fertilizers, pigments, alcohol, paper, and detergents. Sulfuric acid is an important commodity chemical and is widely used in various industries. Its production serves as a good indicator of a nation's industrial strength. In the year 2004, world production of sulfuric acid was about 180 million tonnes, with Asia accounting for 35% and North America (including Mexico) accounting for 24%.
The majority of sulfuric acid is consumed for fertilizers, such as superphosphates, ammonium phosphate, and ammonium sulfates, accounting for about 60% of its use. It is also used in the chemical industry for the production of detergents, synthetic resins, dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals, petroleum catalysts, insecticides, and antifreeze, among other products. Additionally, sulfuric acid is utilized in various processes, including oil well acidicizing, aluminum reduction, paper sizing, and water treatment.
About 6% of its uses are related to pigments, including paints, enamels, printing inks, coated fabrics, and paper. The remaining uses are dispersed across a multitude of applications, such as the production of explosives, cellophane, acetate and viscose textiles, lubricants, non-ferrous metals, and batteries.