Question

Why is sulphuric acid not used during the reaction of alcohol with k i?

Answer 1

Since H2SO4 is an oxidizing agent, it oxidizes HI (produced in the reactionto I2). As a result, the reactionbetween alcohol and HI to produce alkyl iodide cannot occur. Therefore,sulphuric acid is not used during the reaction of alcohols with KI. Instead, a non-oxidizing acid such as H3PO4 isused.