Question

Some properties of sulphuric acid are listed below. Choose the property A, B, C or D which is responsible for the reactions (i) to (v). Some properties may be repeated:
Acid
Dehydrating agent
Non-volatile acid
Oxidising agent
A.${C_{12}}{H_{22}}{O_{11}} + {H_2}S{O_4} \to 12C + 11{H_2}O + n{H_2}S{O_4}$
B.$S + 2{H_2}S{O_4} \to 3S{O_2} + 2{H_2}O$
C.$NaCl + {H_2}S{O_4} \to NaHS{O_4} + HCl$
D.$CuO + {H_2}S{O_4} \to CuS{O_4} + {H_2}O$
E.$N{a_2}C{O_3} + {H_2}S{O_4} \to N{a_2}S{O_4} + {H_2}O + C{O_2}$

Answer 1

Hint: We need to know and study the given properties and accordingly analyse which property is responsible for the given reactions. The properties for sulphuric acid given are acid, dehydrating agent, non-volatile acid, and oxidising agent. Sulphuric acid is the common reactant for each of the given reactions and its behaviour is studied. Hence, we define each of the given properties.

Complete answer:
We have to know that when an acid and a base are combined, the acid and base properties are neutralised, resulting in the formation of a salt. The acid's H(+) cation reacts with the base's OH(-) anion to form water. A salt is a compound formed by the cation of the base and the anion of the acid. A dehydrating agent is a chemical that dries or extracts water from a product. As dehydration occurs in a chemical reaction, the reacting molecule loses a molecule of water. Non-volatile acid displaces the volatile acid from its salt. Oxidising agent gains electrons or gets reduced in a chemical reaction.
${C_{12}}{H_{22}}{O_{11}} + N{H_2}S{O_4} \to 12C + 11{H_2}O + n{H_2}S{O_4}$: In this reaction, sulphuric acid is the dehydrating agent since it removes water from the reactants. Hence, the correct option is option “B”.
$S + 2{H_2}S{O_4} \to 3S{O_2} + 2{H_2}O$: In this reaction, sulphuric acid is the oxidizing agent since it itself got reduced and gained electrons. Hence, the correct option is option “D”.
$NaCl + {H_2}S{O_4} \to NaHS{O_4} + HCl$: In this reaction, sulphuric acid is the non-volatile acid since it displaces the volatile acid from its salt. Hence, the correct option is option “C”.
$CuO + {H_2}S{O_4} \to CuS{O_4} + {H_2}O$: In this reaction, sulphuric acid is an acid since it forms a salt. Hence, the correct option is option “A”.
$N{a_2}C{O_3} + {H_2}S{O_4} \to N{a_2}S{O_4} + {H_2}O + C{O_2}$: In this reaction, sulphuric acid is an acid since it forms a salt.

Hence, the correct option is option “A”.

Note:
We must be noted that since sulphuric acid is an oxidant which has a deep acidic disposition, the acid in its pure form is extremely corrosive to other products. Furthermore, pure acid is a dehydrator, meaning it can remove water from whatever material it comes into contact with (except phosphorus pentoxide that dehydrates sulfuric acid to sulphur trioxide). It's also hygroscopic, so it can capture water vapour from the air quickly. A lot of heat is released as sulfuric acid is added to water (this can not be reversed).