In organic chemistry, an acid catalyst is a compound such as sulfuric acid(H2SO4) that is used to donate protons. Usually this is done to create a more likely leaving group, such as converting an OH_ to a H2O.
Acid catalyzed reactions are usually reversible, as contrasted with base catalyzed reactions, which are usually irreversible.
Sulfuric acid is a constituent of acid rain, being formed by atmospheric oxidation of water and sulfur dioxide.
A mixture of sulfuric acid and water is used as the electrolyte in various types of lead-acid battery where it undergoes a reversible reaction where lead and lead dioxide are converted to lead(II) sulfate.
Fires near or involving sulfuric acid are usually fought using foam or dry earth agents, to avoid the possibilty of the acid boiling.
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