`H_(2)SO_(4)` reacts with sugar and acts as

Options

A. A dehydrating agent
B. An oxidizing agnet
C. A sulphonating agnet
D. A salt forming agent

Answer

To determine how sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) reacts with sugar, we can analyze the reaction step by step.

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactants in this reaction are concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆).

**Hint:** Look for the chemical formulas of the reactants involved in the reaction.

### Step 2: Understand the Nature of Sulfuric Acid
Concentrated sulfuric acid is known for its strong dehydrating properties. It can remove water from substances.

**Hint:** Recall the properties of concentrated sulfuric acid and its common uses in reactions.

### Step 3: Reaction Mechanism
When H₂SO₄ reacts with sugar, it removes water molecules from the sugar. The sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆) can be represented as having 6 carbon atoms and 6 water molecules (H₂O). The reaction can be simplified to show that sulfuric acid takes away the water.

**Hint:** Consider what happens to the molecular structure of sugar when water is removed.

### Step 4: Result of the Reaction
As a result of this dehydration, the sugar breaks down, and carbon is left behind. The reaction can be summarized as:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow \text{C} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
This indicates the formation of carbon and the release of water.

**Hint:** Think about what products are formed when water is removed from a compound.

### Step 5: Identify the Role of H₂SO₄
In this reaction, H₂SO₄ acts primarily as a dehydrating agent because it facilitates the removal of water from the sugar.

**Hint:** Reflect on the definitions of the different types of agents mentioned in the question.

### Conclusion
Thus, when H₂SO₄ reacts with sugar, it acts as a **dehydrating agent**.

### Final Answer
The correct answer is that H₂SO₄ acts as a **dehydrating agent** when it reacts with sugar.

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