WAEC - Chemistry (2001 - No. 30)

What is the function of H2SO4 in the following reaction?

C12H22O11 conc. H2SO4 → 12C + 11H2O

Oxidizing agent
Strong acid
Dehydrating agent
Catalyst

Explanation

When table sugar (sucrose) is dehydrated with concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4), the sugar turns into a column of carbon, and water and carbon dioxide are produced.

This is a dehydration reaction, which is a chemical reaction that removes water from a molecule or ion.

Comments (0)

Advertisement