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How to Dilute H2SO4

Concentrated sulfuric acid is a common and useful but somewhat nasty reagent in chemical labs. If you need a dilute solution of sulfuric acid -- if you want to hydrate an alkene, for example -- you can dilute the concentrated sulfuric acid to get a less concentrated solution. You should be extremely careful when doing so, however, and be aware that concentrated sulfuric acid is an extremely dangerous chemical that can badly harm you if you handle it improperly.

Things You'll Need

Gloves, eye protection, lab coat, long pants &closed-toe shoes
Beaker
Cold deionized water
Graduated cylinder
Glass stirring rod
Syringe pipette
Concentrated sulfuric acid

Instructions

- 1
  Put on your gloves, eye protection and lab coat. Make sure you are wearing closed-toe shoes and long pants (not shorts or a skirt.)
- 2
  Measure out the desired amount of cold water using the graduated cylinder and pour it into your beaker.
- 3
  Suck up the desired amount of concentrated sulfuric acid using your syringe pipette (be very careful not to spill it when you do so.)
- 4
  Slowly add the sulfuric acid to the water, while stirring constantly with your glass stirring rod to dissipate any heat. Sulfuric acid releases substantial heat when it dissolves in water, so you don't want to add it too quickly.

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