The conversation between human and AI assistant.
What makes a molecule a strong dehydrating agent?
Can you explain how sulfuric acid acts as a dehydrating agent?
Sure, sulfuric acid is a strong acid that dissociates into hydrogen ions and sulfate ions when it comes into contact with water. The hydrogen ions can then react with the hydroxide groups in water molecules, removing them and leaving behind a water molecule. This process can be repeated, effectively removing multiple water molecules from other substances.