bob000555 - 11-4-2008 at 17:05
If one were to put Ascorbic acid in the bottom of a beaker and pour sulfuric acid over it what would be the product? That is the sulfuric acid would
certainly draw H2O out of the acid as it would sugar but what would be the resulting compound left over from the ascorbic?
Sauron - 11-4-2008 at 17:18
You do not supply enough information.
What concentration of H2SO4? Let's assume ordinary conc H2SO4 at 20-25 C since you did not specify.
Being a sugar acid, ascorbic acid ought to dehydrate like sucrose does, to C and H2O, except for the carboxyl group that will go to CO or CO2.
[Edited on 12-4-2008 by Sauron]
ScienceGeek - 12-4-2008 at 03:49
Is sulfuric acid really oxidising at those concentrations? At 96%, it is itself reduced to some extent to Sulfur Dioxide, and oxidises Carbon to
Carbon Dioxide (Carbon Monoxide).
Sauron - 12-4-2008 at 03:57
Conc H2S)4 is dehydrating carbohydrates not oxidizing them. For oxidation you need oleum. That is overkill for carbohydrates.
An oleum (fuming H2SO4, w/free SO3 content) spill on wood can heat it up enough to start a fire.
What do you think it does to flesh? We are mostly water.
ScienceGeek - 12-4-2008 at 05:47
With concentrated Sulfuric acid as well there is some oxidation/reduction, evident by the smell of SO2.
MagicJigPipe - 17-4-2008 at 11:12
I've noticed that as well with 98% H2SO4. It oxidizes carbon slightly when heated. I'm pretty sure that's what is happening because I too can smell
the SO2 (and I didn't smell any before the reaction).
I find that property extremely interesting.