Be careful like Jay said. Well, Oleum is extremely hygroscopic. Extreme caution must be exercised. It must be diluted only with approximately 96 % sulfuric acid and not with water. Oleum plus water = violent reaction. It is used in the production of explosives (e.g. in multiple nitration of aromatics). Oleum is very strong dehydrating agent.
__________________________________________________
Mikhail
From:
DCHAS-L
Discussion
List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Dr. Jay A.
Young
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 12:59 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Mixtures of Oleum and Perchloric
acid
Whether or not you mix 70% perchloric acid with Oleum in any proportions depends on your desire or reluctance to make (if you are a male) your wife a widow.
Very few males have such intentions. I recommend that you follow their example.
Jay Young
PS: In case you have missed my point--DON'T MIX!
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----- Original Message -----
From: Little Helga
Sent:< /b> Wednesday, April 08, 2009 6:51 PM
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Mixtures of Oleum and Perchloric acid
Does anyone know of a potential hazard of mixing 70% perchloric acid with oleum (% SO3 to react with most of the water in the perchloric acid).
The research group is trying to make ~100% sulfuric acid and ~100% perchloric acid to oxidize small quanities of carbon (graphite) at temperatures ranging up to 70 C. The group understands the usual problems with handling oleum and they know that 100% perchloric acid by its self is a major safety problem.
Concentrations of the "100% perchloric acid" would be in the range of 10 to 30% in the oleum.
Bob Small
RS Associates
Tucson, AZ