Question

Due to its great affinity for water $H_{2}S{O}_4$ is used as __________ .

• A. dehydrating agent
• B. hydrating agent
• C. adsorbing agent
• D. all of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A dehydrating agent

The hydration reaction of sulphuric acid is highly exothermic dilution is performed by adding the acid to the water rather than water to the acid. This addition ensures that the acid is a limiting reagent. As the dehydration of sulphuric acid is favorable and it has high affinity for water it is used as dehydrating agent. It is used to remove water from other compounds like sugar and giving hydronium and bisulphate ions.
$H_2{SO}_4+H_{2}O\to H_3{O}^{+}+HS{O}_4^{-}$