pyrosulfuric acid
- an oily, hygroscopic, corrosive liquid, H2S2O7, that, depending on purity, is colorless or dark brown: used chiefly as a dehydrating agent in the manufacture of explosives and as a sulfating or sulfonating agent in the manufacture of dyes.
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Origin of pyrosulfuric acid
First recorded in 1870–75
Also called fuming sulfuric acid, oleum.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
pyrosulfuric acid
[pī′rō-sŭl-fyur′ĭk]
- A heavy, oily, colorless to dark brown liquid produced by adding sulfur trioxide to concentrated sulfuric acid. It is used in petroleum refining and the manufacture of explosives. Chemical formula: H2S2O7.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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