Question

When H2SO4 is used as a Sulfonating agent, what effect does formation of water has on the reaction?

(a) Slows down the reaction

(b) Fast the reaction

(c) Reduces activation energy

(d) None of the mentioned

This question was addressed to me in examination.

I need to ask this question from Kinetics, Mechanism and Thermodynamics in section Sulfonation and Sulfation of Unit Processes

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) Slows down the reaction

Explanation: When sulfuric acid is used as the sulfonating agent, the formation of water slows the reaction to such degree that rate studies can often be made only during the initial stages, rate of sulfonation is inversely proportional to the square of the water concentration.