Many people don't realize the difference between sulfuric acid and folic acid because the pronunciation is almost the same. In fact, both have different uses. Sulfuric acid is often used as a chemical in laboratories and industry, while folic acid is needed by pregnant women to meet nutritional needs during pregnancy.

Difference Between Sulfuric Acid and Folic Acid

So that there are no mistakes, here are some basic differences between sulfuric acid and folic acid.

Sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a very strong type of inorganic mineral acid. This substance can dissolve in water in all proportions. Sulfuric acid has various applications, one of which is as a main product in the chemical industry. Pure undiluted sulfuric acid is not found naturally on earth because of its hygroscopic nature.

There are various concentrations of sulfuric acid which are used for certain purposes such as in laboratories, as battery acid, chamber acid, fertilizer acid, and tower acid. The manufacturing process involves three stages, namely making SO2, SO3, and H2SO4.

Sulfuric acid can be found in various industrial sectors. In the automotive industry, this chemical is generally found in battery water, functioning as a conductor and storage of electricity. Sulfuric acid is also a corrosive chemical; Direct exposure to the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, or digestive tract can cause irritation and harm the body.

Folic acid

Folic acid can be found in various types of green vegetables such as kale, celery, radishes and spinach. This substance acts as a precursor in the production of DNA and RNA.

Folic acid has an important role in health, especially for pregnant women. Adequate consumption of folic acid can prevent congenital defects in the fetus.

Apart from that, folic acid can also help prevent heart problems, strokes and cancer. This content supports the building of muscle tissue, increasing the number of cells, and forming hemoglobin.

Folic acid needs are different for each individual, depending on age and physiological conditions. According to National Research, the average folic acid intake for adults is around 400 μg/day.

For pregnant women, a higher intake of folic acid is needed, namely around 600-800 μg/day. When folic acid needs are met, the body can store around 5-10 mg of folate, with almost half of it stored in the liver.

Uses of Sulfuric Acid and Folic Acid

Quoted from the Ministry of Health, folic acid is a type of B vitamin, namely vitamin B9. This vitamin provides great benefits for the body and daily needs need to be met, especially for pregnant women, children, adults and the elderly. Some of the benefits of folic acid for the body include:

• Renew body cells
• Increase body endurance
• Prevent anemia
• Improve thinking skills
• Lower blood pressure and maintains heart health
• Prevent depression
• Prevent pregnancy disorders, such as disorders of the growth of the baby's organs

On the other hand, sulfuric acid has high risks for the body and health. This mineral, with the chemical formula H2SO4, can cause serious burns on exposed skin. Exposure to sulfuric acid, both in small and large amounts, can damage breathing and cause death. According to the National Library of Medicine, sulfuric acid is mostly used in the manufacturing industry to:

• Fertilizer production
• Explosives
• Glue or adhesive base material
• Ingredients for making detergent
• Battery manufacturing
• Petroleum refining process to separate impurities
• Battery electrolyte fluid
• Rust cleaner
• Basic coloring materials such as paint and printing ink
• Pesticide

Thus, it is hoped that this information can differentiate between sulfuric acid and folic acid so that there are no misunderstandings. Hope it is useful!

References:

https://kumparan.com/berita-hari-ini/perbedaan-asam-sulfat-dan-asam-folat-dilihat-dari-fungsinya

https://aktual.kontan.co.id/news/perbedaan-utama-asam-sulfat-dan-asam-folat-jangan-sampai-keliru-menggunakannya