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What is the chemistry of Lassaigne’s test?
ChemistryGeneral Organic ChemistryNEET
Options:
  • A Lassaigne's test is a method for the detection of the presence of hydrogen ions (H+) in a given substance. It involves the reaction of the test substance with sodium metal [NA] to form sodium hydride (NaH), which is then treated with water (H2O) to produce hydrogen gas (H2). The evolved hydrogen gas is confirmed using a gas test.
  • B Lassaigne's test is a qualitative test used to detect the presence of halogens (chlorine, bromine, and iodine) and nitrogen in organic compounds. The test involves fusing the organic compound with sodium metal [NA] to form sodium cyanide (NaCN) and sodium halides (NaX), where X represents a halogen. The fused mass is then dissolved in water, and the resulting solution is acidified with dilute nitric acid (HNO3) to liberate the respective halogen acids (HX). These liberated halogen acids are identified using specific chemical tests.
  • C Lassaigne's test is a procedure for determining the presence of metals in a given sample. It involves heating the sample with sodium metal [NA] to form sodium compounds of the metals present. The resulting mixture is then extracted with water to dissolve the sodium compounds. The aqueous solution is acidified with dilute sulphuric acid (H2SO4) to precipitate the metal sulfides, which can be identified by their characteristic colours.
  • D Lassaigne's test is a method for determining the presence of carbonate ions (CO32-) in a given substance. It involves the reaction of the test substance with sodium metal [NA] to form sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). The resulting sodium carbonate is then acidified with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO2), which is confirmed using a gas test.
Solution:
2128 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: Lassaigne's test is a qualitative test used to detect the presence of halogens (chlorine, bromine, and iodine) and nitrogen in organic compounds. The test involves fusing the organic compound with sodium metal [NA] to form sodium cyanide (NaCN) and sodium halides (NaX), where X represents a halogen. The fused mass is then dissolved in water, and the resulting solution is acidified with dilute nitric acid (HNO3) to liberate the respective halogen acids (HX). These liberated halogen acids are identified using specific chemical tests.
Correct Option is : (B)
Lassaigne's test is a qualitative test used to detect the presence of halogens (chlorine, bromine, and iodine) and nitrogen in organic compounds. The test involves fusing the organic compound with sodium metal [NA] to form sodium cyanide (NaCN) and sodium halides (NaX), where X represents a halogen. The fused mass is then dissolved in water, and the resulting solution is acidified with dilute nitric acid (HNO3) to liberate the respective halogen acids (HX). These liberated halogen acids are identified using specific chemical tests.

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