Sulfuric acid
![S=O bond length = 142.2 pm, S-O bond length = 157.4 pm, O-H bond length = 97 pm](/Images/godic/202502/20/Sulfuric-acid-2D-dimensions.svg4220.png")
![](/Images/godic/202502/20/Sulphuric_acid_96_percent_extra_pure4220.jpg")
![Drops of concentrated sulfuric acid rapidly decompose a piece of cotton towel by dehydration.](/Images/godic/202502/20/Sulphuric_acid_on_a_piece_of_towel4220.JPG")
![Solid state structure of the [D3SO4]+ ion present in [D3SO4]+[SbF6]−, synthesized by using DF in place of HF. (see text)](/Images/godic/202502/20/Structure_of_protonated_sulfuric_acid4220.png")
Sulfuric acid (alternative spelling sulphuric acid) is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid with the molecular formula H2SO4 and molecular weight 98.079 g/mol. It is a pungent-ethereal, colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid that is soluble in water at all concentrations. Sometimes, it is dyed dark brown during production to alert people to its hazards. The historical name of this acid is oil of vitriol.