Sulfuric acid as a dehydrating agent

A close-up photograph of a bottle of sulfuric acid, with hazard symbols clearly visible on the label

Source: © Shutterstock

Try these two demonstrations to illustrate the difference between dehydration and drying using sulfuric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this practical, students observe the phenomenon of dehydration as distinct from drying, as concentrated sulfuric acid removes water of crystallisation from hydrated copper(II) sulfate and ‘the elements of water’ from sucrose.

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