How do you detect organic substances?
In chemistry, organic substances are compounds with carbon. This can be demonstrated using various methods.
A large number of substances that occur in nature are based on carbon compounds, which is why one also speaks of organic substances. The most common elements and chemical groups that carbon binds to itself are hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and halogens. The connections are proven by different methods.
How to Detect Carbon and Hydrogen
- Carbon can be detected through combustion. The formation of soot caused by combustion also serves as a detection method in the chemistry. In addition, carbon dioxide is released, which becomes visible when it is introduced into lime water. This creates carbonic acid.
- Hydrogen, a significant part of organic substances, is also detected through combustion. This creates water, which can be detected by a copper sulphate test.
- Oxygen can only be proven in organic chemistry by its lack. A typical procedure here is the test procedure using an iodine solution. It turns purple in the absence of oxygen.
Test organic substances
- Halogens can be detected on contact with a hot copper wire. This creates a green-blue flame. This test is known as the Beilstein test.
- Nitrogen is tested by heating sodium hydroxide. Ammonia is released in the process.
- Sulfur is also one of the organic compounds. The sulfide is also released and detected when sodium hydroxide is heated. Upon contact with lead ions, a black precipitate forms, which proves the organic character of the substance.
Organic and Inorganic Chemistry - Differences Easily Explained
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