Question

why is it necessary to prepare sodium extract for the detection of foreign elements in organic compounds?what is the composition of lassaignes extract if the organic compounds contain nitrogen? why is it alkaline in nature? how is presence of nitrogen detected?
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Answer 1

Answer:

If the organic compound contains both nitrogen and sulphur, sodium sulphocyanide (NaCNS) is formed during preparation of Lassaigne's extract. Sodium sulphocyanide reacts with ferric chloride and gives blood red colouration due to formation of ferric sulphocyanide