Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Lassaigne Test
What is the principle of Lassaigne Test?
The principle of Lassaigne Test is that when sodium metal is heated with an organic compound, it converts the elements into an ionic form which upon reaction with specific reagents yield different coloured precipitates which indicate presence of different elements.
What is the purpose of Lassaigne Test?
Lassaigne Test is used to detect the presence of nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens in organic compounds.
Can Lassaigne test be used to have information about amount of elements present in the organic compound samples?
No, the Lassaigne’s Test is used only for qualitative analysis of elements present in the organic compounds, i.e. to detect presence or absence of certain elements in the samples.
What are the safety considerations to be kept in mind while performing the Lassaigne’s Test?
Safety measures such as wearing lab coat, gloves, goggles and proper ventilation must be ensured while performing the Lassaigne’s Test, especially while handling sodium and acidic solutions.
Why metallic sodium is used in the Lassaigne’s Test?
Metallic sodium acts as a reducing agent when reacts with organic compounds and forms solube salts. These salts can then be extracted and tested for presence of nitrogen, sulphur and halogens.
Lassaigne Test
Lassaigne Test is a set of procedures used to detect the presence of nitrogen, sulphur and halogens in an organic compound. In the theoretical approach, we use different symbols in the molecular formula of a compound to show the presence of a particular element in it but in the practical approach, we use a variety of tests to identify the presence of specific elements through observable reactions or characteristic behaviours when brought in contact with a specific reagent. For instance, when heated, certain metals exhibit certain characteristic flame colours, indicating their presence.
In this article, we will learn about the Lassaigne Test, its principle, the preparation of the Lassaigne Extract, the procedure for the Lassaigne Test, its applications, and some problems based on it.
Table of Content
- What is Lassaigne Test?
- Procedure for the Lassaigne Test
- Examples of Lassaigne Test
- Applications of Lassaigne Test