Question
In the Charring process, concentrated sulfuric acid reacts with sugar to give sugar charcoal. What is the role of conc. H _2 SO _4 in this reaction?
MHT CET
Chemistry
p Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
2026
MHT CET 2026 (13 April Shift 1)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. An oxidizing agent
- B. A sulfonating agent
- C. A dehydrating agent
- D. A decomposing agent
Answer
C. A dehydrating agent
Step-by-step solution
The reaction of concentrated sulfuric acid with sugar (sucrose) is known as the charring process. C _ 12 H _ 22 O _ 11 conc. H _2 SO _4 12 C + 11 H _2 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 H _2 SO _4 acts as a strong dehydrating agent. Answer: A dehydrating agent
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