What is the function of H2SO4 in the following reaction? C12 H22O11 conc. H24 12C + 11H2O

Answer Details

The function of H₂SO₄ in the given reaction is that of a dehydrating agent. The concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is used in this reaction to remove the water (H₂O) molecule from the reactant molecule C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ (sucrose). The removal of a water molecule from a molecule is known as dehydration. Therefore, in this reaction, H₂SO₄ acts as a dehydrating agent, which removes water from the reactant molecule and helps to form carbon (C) and water (H₂O) as products.