SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF TEACHER EDUCATION AND LIBERAL ARTS

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

AY 2022-2023

ORCHEM 221L

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

MODULE 1 UNIT 2

DETECTION OF COMMON ELEMENTS IN ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

IMATONG, Kesiah Lyka-Anne V.

0516AL

10:30 – 1:30 THF

 DISCUSSION

In understanding organic compounds, there are numerous elements

present such as the Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Sulfur; and in some

cases, a few other elements such as the Halogens (Chlorine, Fluorine, Bromine,

Phosphorus). Organic compounds are called “vital force” ingredient that could

only be supplied by living organisms. For the experiment, different tests were

conducted in order to detect elements that were present in an organic

substance which greatly affects and helps in its identification. One procedure

that chemists utilize in analyzing the elements for the detection of halogens, sulfur,

and nitrogen in an organic compound is the Lassaign’s Test, which have similar

goals to the experiment the researchers conducted.

 CONCLUSION

Organic compounds are called “vital force” ingredient that could only be

supplied by living organisms. The researchers tested Carbon, Hydrogen, and

Oxygen and concluded that as a certain compound is heated, the gasses pass

through the tube and the limewater making then makes it whitish or milky in color

due to the carbon dioxide present. The researcher also deduced that the soda

lime absorbs the carbon dioxide and water vapor and deteriorates rapidly. For

the steps in systemic identification of organic compounds, it follows a certain

process wherein the order comes like this: elemental analysis-solubility of the

organic compound-classification of tests whether they are halogens and

whatnots-preparation of derivative.

The researcher strongly recommends that when detecting elements on

organic compounds, it is strictly suggested that the experimenters use proper

laboratory equipment with care and caution especially when testing them with

heat as some of the given chemical compounds have foul reactions. Some of

these compounds can result in having foul odors which is why handling such

chemicals with care can help the experimenters to execute the procedures safely

and efficiently. In dealing with these compounds, the researcher encouraged the

experimenters to be alert and vigilant as some of the procedures will form

precipitate that is new to them and cannot be distinguished clearly.