Solubility in Conc. Sulfuric Acid (N group)
Many compounds are soluble in cold, concentrated sulfuric acid and classified into N group. Of the compounds are commonly encountered, alcohols, ketones aldehydes, and esters fall in this category. Other compounds which also dissolve include alkenes, alkynes, nitroaromatics and amides. Since several different types of compounds are soluble in sulfuric acid, further chemical tests are required. Compounds which are insoluble in sulfuric acid are extremely weak bases. It is the extreme acidity of concentrated sulfuric acid along with its powerful ionizing ability that allows these compounds to be soluble in sulfuric acid. Thus sulfuric acid is able to protonate alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, ester an unsaturated hydrocarbons. The resulting ions produced are soluble in the medium.