Step 1: Understanding gluconic acid formation.
Gluconic acid is produced from glucose by the oxidation of glucose in the presence of bromine water, which oxidizes the aldehyde group to a carboxyl group.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) dil. Nitric acid: This reagent is a strong oxidizing agent, but it is not typically used to convert glucose to gluconic acid.
(B) Acetyl chloride: Acetyl chloride is used in esterification reactions, not for converting glucose to gluconic acid.
(C) Bromine water: Correct — Bromine water is used to oxidize glucose to gluconic acid by oxidizing the aldehyde group.
(D) Acetic anhydride: This is used in acetylation reactions, not for oxidation of glucose.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Bromine water, as it is the reagent used to oxidize glucose into gluconic acid.