WVESTIGATHM MB CH/UMCnHMTIM OF MGMBC COWOMBS 13

There are three straightforward tests which will

provide useful information as to the general
properties of the compound, and the presence of
the more important of the elements noted above
other than carbon, hydrogen and oxygen; these
tests are: the ignition test; heating with soda-lime;
and the sodium fusion test (Lassaignes test).
IGNITION TEST
Procedure. Place about 0.1 g of the compound on
a metal spatula. Heat it gently at first and finally to
dull redness. Observe:
(a) whether the substance melts, is explosive or is
flammable and note the nature of the flame;
(b)whether gases or vapour are evolved, and their
odour (CAUTION);
(c) whether the residue fuses.
Evidence of the organic nature of the compound,
i.e. the presence of carbon and hydrogen (1), and
the absence of metals, is indicated by burning with
a more or less smoky flame, and a black residue
consisting largely of carbon, which 'burns off on
prolonged heating, leaving no residue. In general,
aromatic compounds characteristically burn with a
very smoky flame.
If an appreciable amount of residue remains,
note its colour. Add a few drops of water and test
the solution (or suspension) with Universal
indicator paper. Then add a little dilute
hydrochloric acid and observe whether
effervescence occurs and the residue dissolves.
Apply a flame test with a platinum wire, which may
determine the metal present.
Note. (1) If it is desired to test directly for carbon
and hydrogen in a compound, mix 0.1 g of the
substance with 1-2 g of freshly ignited, fine copper
(n) oxide powder in a dry test tube, and fit the
latter with a bung carrying a tube bent at an angle
so that escaping gases can be bubbled below the
surface of lime water contained in a second test
tube. Clamp the test tube near the top and heat
the mixture gradually. If carbon is present, carbon
dioxide will be evolved which will produce a
turbidity in the lime water. If hydrogen is present,
small drops of water will collect in the cooler part
of the tube.
HEATING WITH SODA-LIME
This is often a useful preliminary test. Mix
thoroughly about 0.2 g of the substance with about
1 g of powdered soda-lime. Place the mixture in a
Pyrex test tube; close the tube by a bung and
delivery tube. Incline the test tube so that any
liquid formed in the reaction cannot run back on
the hot part of the tube. Heat the test tube gently
at first and then more strongly. Collect any
condensate produced in a test tube containing 2-3
ml of water. Nitrogenous compounds will usually
evolve ammonia or vapours alkaline to indicator
paper and possessing characteristic odours;

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 WVESTIGATHM MB CH/UMCnHMTIM OF MGMBC COWOMBS 13

hydroxybenzoic acids yield phenols; formates and

acetates yield hydrogen; simple carboxylic acids
yield hydrocarbons (methane from acetic acid,
benzene from benzoic or phthalic acid, etc.); amine
salts and aromatic amino carboxylic acids yield
aromatic amines, etc.
SODIUM FUSION TEST
In order to detect nitrogen, sulphur and halogen in
organic compounds, it is necessary to convert
them into ionisable inorganic substances so that
ionic tests of inorganic analysis may be applied.
This may be accomplished by several methods, but
the best procedure is to fuse the organic
compound with metallic sodium (Lassaigne's test).
In this way sodium cyanide, sodium sulphide and

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