Question

What is the role of concentrated $H_{2}S{O}_4$ in the reaction between alcohol and carboxylic acid?

• A. Deprotonating agent
• B. Dehydrating agent
• C. Reducing agent
• D. Nucleophile

Answer 1

The correct option is B Dehydrating agent

Concentrated $H_{2}S{O}_4$ is the catalyst in the esterification of alcohols, which acts a protonating and dehydrating agent. The reaction is reversible and is shifted in the forward direction by the removal of water as soon as it is formed.The chemical reaction for esterification is given below.
$C{H}_{3}COOH+C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}OH\underset{\text{Esterification}}{\overset{H^{+}}{\to }}C{H}_{3}COOC{H}_{2}C{H}_3+H_{2}O\text{Acetic acid}\text{Ethyl alcohol}\text{Ethyl Acetate}$