12.21. Discuss the chemistry of Lassaigne’s test.
Lassaigne’s test.-
This test is used to detect the presence of nitrogen, sulphur, halogens and sulphur in organic compounds. These elements are present in the covalent form in an organic compound. So, they are converted into the ionic form by fusing the compound with the sodium metal.
(X = Cl, Br, I)
Cyanide, sulphide or halide of sodium are extracted from the fused mass by boiling it with distilled water. This Is known as sodium extract method or Lassaigne's extract.