As well as being a strong acid, sulfuric acid is also a dehydrating agent, meaning it is very good at removing water from other substances. There are two examples you need to be aware of.

Concentrated sulfuric acid dehydrates common table sugar (sucrose), leaving a column of carbon. Pour sugar into any size beaker (depending on the size of the room) to a depth of 1”. Place beaker on a ...

Place beaker on a heat insulating mat. Pour a layer of concentrated sulfuric acid ½” to ¾” thick on top of the sugar. Place 4 liter beaker over the small beaker containing the sugar with part of the ...