Experiment 1

Preliminary Tests and Solubility Classification of Organic Compounds

Preliminary Tests

Ignition test: Place small amount

(approx.. 0.10g or 0.50mL) of
substance in a porcelain crucible.

Observe the following

properties for the compound:
physical state (solid/liquid),
color, odor, and ignition test.

Test Compounds:
copper nitrate, acetic
acid, and unknown

If a residue is left, add a drop of

distilled H2O & test the soln w/
litmus paper. Add drop of 15%
HCl & note if gas evolved.

Heat by slowly increasing the flame until ignition is

compete. Cover and observe the ff: a) flammability
& nature of flame; b) if solid, note if it melts and
how; c) odor of vapour/gases evolved if any; and d)
residue left after ignition.

Using nichrome wire perform a

flame test to determine the metal
present.

Solubility Classification Tests

Place 1mL of solvent to a

micro test tube. Add a
drop/pinch of the test
compound. Shake to mix.

Test Compounds: Butyl bromide, Ethanol,

Sucrose, Butyraldehyde, Ethanoic acid,
Methylamine, Nitro phenol, Diethyl ether,
Benzoic acid, Propanone

A solution formed when the liquid

or solid disappeared, or a
homogeneous mixture formed.
Some solids take some time
before it dissolve.

Follow scheme 1.1 for identifying

the solubility of your test
compounds. Record obesrvations.

Note:
(1) Note: Careful not to add too much solute or too much solvent because it may misled you in identifying the solubility. It is therefore
important that you determine the extent of solubility of the compound under test. If your solid unknown is in the form of large
crystals it is advisable that you pound it using mortar and pestle.
(2) Sulfuric acid is used as one of the test solvent, a color change rather than a solution is usually observed. If this happens, consider
it as positive test.