Question

Assertion (A): Concentrated H₂SO₄ is used as a dehydrating agent.

Reason (R): Concentrated H₂SO₄ is a powerful oxidising agent.

Options

• If both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

• If both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

• If A is true, but R is false.

• If both A and R are false.

Answer 1

If both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Explanation:

The assertion is true because concentrated H₂SO₄ has a powerful affinity for water and chemically removes hydrogen and oxygen atoms as water from compounds. The reason is also factually true because the sulfur atom is in its highest oxidation state (+6), making it a strong oxidising agent. However, its oxidising capability does not explain its dehydrating nature; dehydration relies on its massive affinity for water rather than its ability to gain electrons.