Question

A, B and C are the chemical properties of sulphuric acid:

A. Oxidizing agent

B. Dehydrating agent

C. Non-volatile acid

Match the following equations 1 to 3 to the above chemical properties of sulphuric acid.

1. \[\ce{KNO3 + H2SO4 -> KHSO4 + HNO3}\]

2. \[\ce{C12H22O11 -> 12C + 11H2O}\]

3. \[\ce{S + 2H2SO4 -> 2H2O + 3SO2}\]

Answer 1

The chemical properties of sulphuric acid along with their correct chemical equation is given below in the table:

Chemical Properties	Chemical Equations
A. Oxidizing agent	3. \[\ce{S + 2H2SO4 -> 2H2O + 3SO2}\]
B. Dehydrating agent	2. \[\ce{C12H22O11 -> 12C + 11H2O}\]
C. Non-volatile acid	1. \[\ce{KNO3 + H2SO4 -> KHSO4 + HNO3}\]

Explanation:

(A) Sulphuric acid is a strong oxidising agent which means it can easily add oxygen to other elements or compounds. So, it is used to oxidise sulphur to sulphur dioxide.

(B) Sulphuric acid is a very strong acid therefore it can easily remove water from carbohydrates like sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁). In this reaction pure form of carbon is obtained along with water.

(C) Sulphuric acid has a high boiling point, therefore, it is considered almost non-volatile in nature and hence this property is used in the manufacturing of other volatile mineral acids like HNO₃. Therefore, the reaction of sulphuric acid with potassium nitrate represents the non-volatile character of sulphuric acid.