A colourless hygroscopic crystalline solid, H2S2O7; r.d. 1.9; m.p. 35°C. It is commonly encountered mixed with sulphuric acid as it is formed by dissolving sulphur trioxide in concentrated sulphuric acid. The resulting fuming liquid, called oleum or Nordhausen sulphuric acid, is produced during the contact process and is also widely used in the sulphonation of organic compounds. See also sulphuric acid.