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Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles And Techniques

Question
CBSEENCH11007623

How will you detect the presence of sulphur in an organic compound by Lassaigne's test?

Solution

Lassaigne’s test: This test involves following two steps:
(i) Preparation of Lassaigne’s or sodium extract (As described under detection of nitrogen in :
Sulphur present in the organic compound combines with sodium on fusion to form sodium sulphide. 
2 Na space plus space straight S with From space organic space compound below space space space rightwards arrow with Fusion on top space space Na subscript 2 straight S
Test for sulphur: The extract is divided into two parts and tested for sulphur as follows:
(i) Lead acetate test: A portion of the Lassaigne's filtrate is acidified with acetic acid and then lead acetate solution is added. Formation of black precipitate confirms the presence of sulphur in the organic compound. 
NaS space plus space stack left parenthesis CH subscript 3 COO right parenthesis subscript 2 Pb with Lead space acetate below space space rightwards arrow space space space stack PbS downwards arrow with stack Lead space sulphide with left parenthesis Black space ppt. right parenthesis below below space plus space 2 CH subscript 3 COONa
(ii) Sodium nitroprusside test:To another portion of the Lassaigne's filtrate, few drops of sodium nitroprusside are added. The appearance of purple colour confirms the presence of sulphur in the organic compound.
Na subscript 2 straight S space plus space stack Na subscript 2 left square bracket Fe left parenthesis CN right parenthesis subscript 5 NO right square bracket with Sodium space nitroprusside below space space rightwards arrow space space space stack Na subscript 4 left square bracket Fe left parenthesis CN right parenthesis subscript 5 NOS right square bracket with Purple space colouration below