Question

Give any two dehydrating properties of H$_2$SO$_4$.

Hint:

Always remember: Concentrated sulphuric acid is not only a strong acid but also a powerful dehydrating and oxidizing agent.

Answer 1

Step 1: Nature of Sulphuric Acid.
Concentrated sulphuric acid is a strong dehydrating agent. It has a strong affinity for water and removes water molecules from many compounds. Step 2: Two Dehydrating Properties.
1. It dehydrates carbohydrates such as sugar: \[ C_{12}H_{22}O_{11} \xrightarrow{H_2SO_4} 12C + 11H_2O \] (Sugar is dehydrated to carbon.) 2. It removes water from hydrated salts: \[ CuSO_4 \cdot 5H_2O \xrightarrow{H_2SO_4} CuSO_4 + 5H_2O \] (Copper sulphate pentahydrate is converted to anhydrous copper sulphate.) Conclusion:
Concentrated \(H_2SO_4\) acts as a strong dehydrating agent, removing water from organic compounds and hydrated salts.