[Mr. Deeds]

Most reactions that I have seen involving H2SO4 have called for the  concentrated  form.

Is 30-35% adequate enough for general use or do I need to get the 98%?
I have access to the lower concentration H2SO4 but not the 98% so Inwas hoping it would still be concentrated enough for general use.

One example is for the synthesis of ethyl acetate. Will a concentration lower than 98% sulfuric acid be adequate in this reaction?

Many thanks!

[kriggy]

For some applications it might be OK but for esterifications I think you need the high% H₂SO₄ because the reaction is reversible and the water present in your 30%H₂SO₄ will drive the reaction backwards. You might get away with it if you distill the product away but its probably going to work worse compared to the reaction with 98% acid

[AWK]

We use sulfuric acid as a catalyst in small amounts for the esterification reaction. The esterification reaction is an equilibrium reaction in which the presence of water reduces the yield of the reaction (water is formed during the reaction and the water will contain the catalyst). This will cause the reaction yield to decrease quite significantly. But there is nothing to worry about. This method does not yield pure ethyl acetate. And you will feel the smell of ethyl acetate anyway.

[Mr. Deeds]

I ended up finding a source of 93% sulfuric acid which I'm happy about. I need to purify it though which I'm a little hesitant to do; the high BP is a concern for me and my glassware, I'm not sure if it will hold up during distillation. Buts that's another topic completely.

Thank you guys!

[chenbeier]

Dont distille conc. sulfuric acid. Very dangerous, if you don't have adequate equipment.

[Mr. Deeds]

Not to worry, it is not something I would ever do with the current glassware I have.

I dont ever get past 150°C-160°C with any experiments because I like to stay on the safe side.
Maybe if I had Fisher Brand equipment, but I dont.