Qualitative Elemental Analysis Organic Laboratory Manual

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ACTIVITY No. 8
Qualitative Elemental Analysis of Organic Compounds :
Lassaigne’s Test

Objectives: (3 points)

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1. Put a check (√) if the element is present and (x) if absent. [2pts each, 24 points total]

TEST STRUCTURAL FORMULA N S Cl Br I

COMPOUND

Sulfanilic acid √ √ X X X

Chlorobenzene X X √ X X

2. For the elements present in each compound below, give the result indicating presence

of the element. (ex. color of solution or precipitate) [2 pts each]

TEST N S Cl Br I
COMPOUND

Sulfanilic acid Prussian blue ppt. Brown ppt.

Chlorobenzene White ppt.

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Qualitative Elemental Analysis Organic Laboratory Manual

QUESTIONS

1. Why is it necessary to react the test compound with fused sodium metal before any
elemental analysis is done? [3 points]

to convert all nitrogen, sulfur and halogen into inorganic form (cyanide, sulfide and

halide) so that they will respond to the inorganic reagents.

2. Give the chemical equation representing the reaction in the following:

a. sodium fusion [2 points]

b. test for nitrogen [2 points]

3. Give the name and formula of the Prussian blue precipitate in the positive test for
nitrogen. [1 point each]

Name: ferric ferrocyanide Formula: Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3

4. Explain how these interferences are avoided in the following tests. [2 points each]
a) FeS in test for nitrogen

adding ferrous sulfate and make alkaline by adding enough NaOH solution
then boil and filter to remove FeS.

b) Ag2S/AgCN in test for halogen

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Qualitative Elemental Analysis Organic Laboratory Manual

Acidify with HNO3 then boil the solution to expel HCN and H2S.

5. In the test for presence of halogen, what will happen if S or N is present and the
solution is immediately added with AgNO3 without boiling? [2 points]

Ag2S and AgCN precipitates will form and interfere with the result

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6. Give the equation for the following reactions in the test substances. [2 points each]

a) silver nitrate with the halogen present

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b) lead nitrate with the sulfur present

Pb(NO3)2 + S-2 PbS

c) i) ferrous sulfate with the cyanide present

FeSO4 + CN- Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3

ii) ferrocyanice with ferric chloride

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