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Chapter 9: Problem 16

Sugar on treating with \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) produces a black mass. In this \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) acts as a (a) decarboxylating agent (b) dehydrogenating agent (c) dehydrating agent (d) reducing agent

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The role of \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\) in this reaction is as a dehydrating agent.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the reaction

When sugar is treated with \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\), it undergoes a chemical reaction in which the sugar molecule loses water molecules. This reaction takes place as follows: Sugar + \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) → Black mass + Water Now, let's analyze the role of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) in this reaction.
02

Rule out options (a) and (b)

(a) Decarboxylating agent: In a decarboxylation reaction, a carboxyl group (-COOH) is removed from a molecule and replaced with a hydrogen atom. However, sugar molecules do not contain carboxyl groups, so \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\) cannot act as a decarboxylating agent in this reaction. (b) Dehydrogenating agent: A dehydrogenating agent removes hydrogen atoms from a molecule. In this reaction, sugar loses water molecules, but the hydrogen atoms are not removed individually. Therefore, \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\) is not acting as a dehydrogenating agent in this reaction.
03

Option (c) Dehydrating agent - the correct answer

(c) Dehydrating agent: The role of a dehydrating agent is to remove water molecules from a molecule. In the reaction of sugar with \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\), the sugar loses water molecules, and a black mass is formed. This indicates that \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\) is acting as a dehydrating agent in this reaction.
04

Rule out option (d)

(d) Reducing agent: A reducing agent provides electrons to another molecule, causing the other molecule to be reduced. In this reaction, \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\) is not providing electrons to the sugar molecule. Instead, it is causing the loss of water molecules. Therefore, \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\) is not acting as a reducing agent in this reaction.
05

Conclusion

Based on our analysis, the correct answer is (c) dehydrating agent. When sugar is treated with \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\), it loses water molecules, and a black mass is formed. In this reaction, \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{SO}_{4}\) is acting as a dehydrating agent.

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