Q30 / 150 · MHT CET 2026 (13 April Shift 1) · Chemistry
In the Charring process, concentrated sulfuric acid reacts with sugar to give sugar charcoal. What is the role of conc. $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$ in this reaction?
- AAn oxidizing agent
- BA sulfonating agent
- Correct answerCA dehydrating agent
- DA decomposing agent
Solution
The reaction of concentrated sulfuric acid with sugar (sucrose) is known as the charring process.
$\text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{22}\text{O}_{11} \xrightarrow{\text{conc. H}_2\text{SO}_4} 12\text{C} + 11\text{H}_2\text{O}$
In this reaction, concentrated sulfuric acid removes water molecules from the sugar molecule, leaving behind a black mass of elemental carbon, which is called sugar charcoal. This demonstrates the strong affinity of concentrated sulfuric acid for water.
Therefore, concentrated $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$ acts as a strong dehydrating agent.
Answer: A dehydrating agent
$\text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{22}\text{O}_{11} \xrightarrow{\text{conc. H}_2\text{SO}_4} 12\text{C} + 11\text{H}_2\text{O}$
In this reaction, concentrated sulfuric acid removes water molecules from the sugar molecule, leaving behind a black mass of elemental carbon, which is called sugar charcoal. This demonstrates the strong affinity of concentrated sulfuric acid for water.
Therefore, concentrated $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$ acts as a strong dehydrating agent.
Answer: A dehydrating agent
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.