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elements dectection23

The document outlines methods for detecting elements in organic compounds, focusing on nitrogen, halogens, and sulfur. It describes the preparation of Lassaigne's solution through the fusion of organic compounds with sodium, followed by specific tests to identify the presence of these elements. Each test includes the procedure, expected observations, and corresponding inferences for confirming the presence of nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens.

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6 views1 page

elements dectection23

The document outlines methods for detecting elements in organic compounds, focusing on nitrogen, halogens, and sulfur. It describes the preparation of Lassaigne's solution through the fusion of organic compounds with sodium, followed by specific tests to identify the presence of these elements. Each test includes the procedure, expected observations, and corresponding inferences for confirming the presence of nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens.

Uploaded by

zia khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Detection of Elements in an Organic Compounds

1 Chemistry-XII

DETECTION OF ELEMENTS IN ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

Introduction:
Organic compounds generally contain C, H, O, N , halogens (Cl, Br, I) and S. In general, all organic compounds
contain C and H, therefore, it is not necessary to test the presence of these two elements. The third element
oxygen cannot be detected by any direct method. But nitrogen, halogens and S can easily be detected by simple
tests.
Organic compounds are covalent and do not ionize in solution. It is, therefore, not possible to detect, N,
halogens and S in the compounds directly. The organic compounds are first converted into ionic compounds,
which are water soluble, by fusing them with sodium metal.
Na + C + N -------------- > NaCN (Sodium Cyanide)
2Na + S -------------- > Na2S (Sodium Sulphide)
Na + X -------------- > NaX (Sodium halide, where X = Cl, Br, I)

Preparation of Sodium Extract (Lassaigne’s Solution ) For The Detection of N, Halogens and S:
1. Take a small piece of freshly cut of sodium metal and dry it between the folds of filter paper.
2. Place it in a clean and dry fusion tube.
3. Heat it in the Bunsen flame gently till sodium melts to form a shining globule.
4. Now put small portion of organic compound directly on the molten sodium.
5. Heat the fusion tube first gently and then strongly till the tube becomes red hot.
6. Plunge the tube into beaker containing about 10 ml of distilled water and immediately cover the dish
with a wire-gauze to prevent any unreacted sodium metal flying off from the dish.
7. Break the fusion tube and mixture. Shake and boil the solution for few minutes.
8. Filter the solution while it is hot.(Filtrate should be clear like water, if it is coloured repeat the process).
The filtrate is called Lassaigne’s solution(L.S) or Sodium extract.

1-Tests for Nitrogen


Experiment Observation Inference
(1) Sodium extract + FeSO4(freshly
prepared) boil + dilute H2SO4 Prussian blue ppt. or coloration Nitrogen is present

2-Tests for Sulphur


Experiment Observation Inference
(1) Sodium extract + dilute CH3COOH Black ppt. Sulphur is present
+ (CH3COO)2Pb
(2) Sodium extract + (CH3COO)2Pb Black ppt. Sulphur is present
3-Tests for Halogens
Experiment Observation Inference
(1) Sodium extract + dilute HNO3 , boil (i)White ppt. soluble in NH4OH Chlorine is present
+ AgNO3 (ii)Pale yellow ppt. sparingly soluble in NH4OH Bromine is present
(iii)Dark yellow ppt. insoluble in excess of NH4OH. Iodine is present

Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haque Rathore, Letcurer Chemistry , Govt. Degree College Khipro

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