Question

Write balanced equations for the following: Action of concentrated sulphuric acid on carbon.

Answer 1

• The action of concentrated sulphuric acid on carbon produces $C{O}_2$ and $S{O}_2.$

$C+2H_{2}S{O}_4\text{(conc.)}\to C{O}_2+2H_{2}O+2S{O}_2$

• In this reaction, $H_{2}S{O}_4$ is acting as an oxidizing agent as it is oxidizing carbon to carbon dioxide and getting reduced itself to sulphur dioxide.