In esterification reaction, the role of conc. `H_(2)SO_(4)` is

Options

A. To act as dehydrating agent
B. To act as hydrolytic agent
C. To act as catalyst
D. To act as catalyst as well as dehydrating agent

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Esterification Reaction**:
- Esterification is a chemical reaction between an acid (usually a carboxylic acid) and an alcohol, resulting in the formation of an ester and water. The general equation for this reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{RCOOH} + \text{R'OH} \rightarrow \text{RCOOR'} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]

2. **Role of Concentrated Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)**:
- In the esterification reaction, concentrated sulfuric acid serves two main purposes:
- **Catalyst**: Concentrated H₂SO₄ acts as a catalyst, which means it speeds up the reaction without being consumed in the process. It helps in protonating the carbonyl oxygen of the carboxylic acid, making it more electrophilic and thus more reactive towards the alcohol.
- **Dehydrating Agent**: Concentrated H₂SO₄ also acts as a dehydrating agent. It helps in removing water that is formed during the reaction. By removing water, it shifts the equilibrium of the reaction towards the formation of more ester, according to Le Chatelier's principle.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the role of concentrated H₂SO₄ in the esterification reaction is to act as both a catalyst and a dehydrating agent, facilitating the formation of the ester product.

### Final Answer:
The role of concentrated H₂SO₄ in the esterification reaction is to act as a catalyst and a dehydrating agent.

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