The reaction of concentrated sulphuric acid with carbohydrates ($ ext{C}_{12} ext{H}_{22} ext{O}_{11}$) is

Question

The reaction of concentrated sulphuric acid with carbohydrates ($	ext{C}_{12}	ext{H}_{22}	ext{O}_{11}$) is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Concentrated sulphuric acid ($	ext{H}_2	ext{SO}_4$) is a strong dehydrating agent. When it reacts with carbohydrates such as sucrose ($	ext{C}_{12}	ext{H}_{22}	ext{O}_{11}$), it removes water molecules completely from the structure, leaving behind a black mass of elemental carbon (often called sugar charcoal). The reaction is represented as:
$	ext{C}_{12}	ext{H}_{22}	ext{O}_{11} \xrightarrow{	ext{Conc. H}_2	ext{SO}_4} 12	ext{C} + 11	ext{H}_2	ext{O}$
Because intact water molecules are removed, this process is an example of a dehydration reaction.

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