Sulfuric Acid is the world's largest volume industrial chemical. The main use is in the production of phosphate fertilizers. It is used to manufacture explosives, other acids, dyes, glue, wood preservatives, and automobile batteries.
Pure sulfuric acid does not occur naturally due to its strong affinity to water vapor; it is hygroscopic and readily absorbs water vapor from the air. Concentrated sulfuric acid is highly corrosive towards other materials, from rocks to metals, since it is an oxidant with powerful dehydrating properties.