What are the products when H2SO4 reacts with NaOH in aqueous solution?

• A. Na2SO4 and H2
• B. Na2SO3 and H2O
• C. Na2SO4 and H2O
• D. NaSO4 and H2

Answer: (C)

In a neutralization between a strong acid and a strong base, the products are a salt and water. Sulfuric acid can donate two protons, so with enough sodium hydroxide both protons are neutralized. The balanced equation is H2SO4 + 2 NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2 H2O. Therefore, the products are sodium sulfate and water. Hydrogen gas would not be produced in this reaction, and sodium sulfite isn’t formed in a simple neutralization—that would require a different process or reactants. If only one equivalent of base were present, you’d get sodium hydrogen sulfate instead of the full salt, Na2SO4.