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Why is the oxidising power of conc H2SO4 strong
Accepted Answer
The oxidising power of conc. H2SO4 is strong due to several reasons:
1. High concentration of H+ ions: Conc. H2SO4 has a high concentration of H+ ions, which makes it a strong acid. The high acidity provides a favourable environment for the reduction of oxidisable species, as the H+ ions can accept electrons and get reduced to H2 gas.
2. Presence of SO42- ions: The sulphate ion (SO42-) in H2SO4 can act as an oxidising agent. In the presence of a reducing agent, the SO42- ion can get reduced to SO2 or HSO3-, releasing electrons and thus oxidising the reducing agent.
3. Dehydrating agent: Conc. H2SO4 is a strong dehydrating agent, which means it can remove water from other substances. This dehydration can lead to the formation of unstable intermediates that are more susceptible to oxidation.
4. High boiling point: Conc. H2SO4 has a high boiling point (337 °C), which allows it to remain in contact with the oxidisable species for a longer period of time, providing ample opportunity for the oxidation reaction to occur.
Overall, the combination of these factors makes conc. H2SO4 a strong oxidising agent.
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