Question

The role of concentrated $H_2SO_4$ in the Esterification process is:
A. catalyst
B. dehydrating agent
C. hydrolyzing agent
D. dehydrating agent and catalyst

Answer 1

Hint: In the given question we have to find out the role of concentrated sulphuric acid in the process of Esterification. However the Esterification process is a slow process.

Complete answer:
Esterification process is a slow process when it is performed at room temperature also the process does not complete at all in the room temperature. So to complete the process of esterification there should be something to complete to the process as well as to speed up the process. Thus concentrated sulphuric acid is added. It is a catalyst which will speed up the process and esterification will proceed speedily and complete on time.
Also concentrated sulphuric acid has a property to remove water. Therefore it also acts as a dehydrating agent. After adding this will take reaction in the equilibrium position and will be able to give a greater yield of ester as result.

Hence, option D is correct.

Additional information:
Esters are well-known in nature and are broadly used in many industries. Natural form of ester is fat which is commonly known as triesters that are derived from glycerol and fatty acids. Esters are also responsible for the aroma of many fruits such as apples.

Note:
Esterification is a reversible reaction. It is a substitution reaction that occurs in between an alcohol and carboxylic acid in the presence of acid catalyst to form an ester is known as Esterification reaction and catalyst used is concentrated sulphuric acid.