Why do the eyes water when cutting the onion?
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While cutting onion we are actually cutting numerous cells. As a result, the substances inside the cells are released. Amino acids in cells combine with sulfoxide to form sulfenic acid. Various enzymes inside the cell react with sulfenic acid to form a volatile sulfur compound called propenyl S-oxide. This compound floats in the air and reaches our eyes.
It then reacts with the aqueous phase of the eye to form sulfuric acid. And because of this acid, our eyes get irritated. Water comes out of the eyes to remove the acid that has entered the eye.