the organic compound is fused with metallic sodium in an ignition tube the ignition tube is heated till its bottom becomes red hot.break this tube into a china dish containing 20c.c of distilled water .boil and filter,the filterate is called lassaign's solution
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Lassaigne's solution is a mixture of sodium hydroxide and iron(III) chloride used in organic chemistry to test for the presence of nitrogen and halogens in organic compounds. The compound being tested is heated with Lassaigne's solution and then undergoes a series of chemical reactions that allow for the detection of nitrogen and halogens through the formation of colored precipitates.
Lassaigne's test is a preliminary test for the detection of nitrogen and sulfur in an organic compound. The organic compound is heated with sodium metal, converted to sodium cyanide and sodium sulfide, respectively. The mixture is then boiled with water, and the resulting solution is acidified to convert the cyanide and sulfide ions to cyanide and hydrogen sulfide gases, which are then verified using specific chemical tests.
Sodium is used in Lassaigne's test because it forms a stable compound with nitrogen, making it easier to detect the presence of nitrogen-containing compounds in organic substances. Additionally, sodium is a common and easily accessible reagent for this test.
In Lassaigne's test, when ferric ion reacts with sodium ferrocyanide, it forms a complex called ferric ferrocyanide or Prussian blue, which appears as a blue precipitate. This reaction is specific and sensitive for the detection of the presence of the cyanide ion in a sample.
Lassaigne's method is important in qualitative analysis of organic compounds because it helps in detecting the presence of nitrogen, sulfur, and halogen elements. These elements are crucial in identifying the functional groups present in the organic compound, providing valuable information about its structure and properties. By using Lassaigne's method, chemists can determine the composition of unknown organic samples and predict their behavior in different chemical reactions.
In the Lassaigne test, breaking down the red hot ignition tube in distilled water helps to dissolve and extract water-soluble substances, such as sodium and potassium cyanide. This step allows for the subsequent chemical tests to be performed on the resulting solution to identify the presence of these elements.