What is the main function of concentrated sulphuric acid in esterification?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: To remove water and drive the reaction forward
Esterification is a reversible condensation reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, producing an ester and water. Concentrated sulphuric acid acts mainly as a dehydrating agent, removing or absorbing water and shifting the equilibrium toward ester formation; it also provides acidic catalysis. Therefore option A is correct. The other options describe transformations that do not occur in esterification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
To remove water and drive the reaction forward
Why is this the correct answer?
Esterification is a reversible condensation reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, producing an ester and water. Concentrated sulphuric acid acts mainly as a dehydrating agent, removing or absorbing water and shifting the equilibrium toward ester formation; it also provides acidic catalysis. Therefore option A is correct. The other options describe transformations that do not occur in esterification.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Carbon and its Compounds. Topic: Functional groups.
