Question

Which one of the following set of elements can be detected using sodium fusion extract ?

• A. Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Carbon, Sulfur
• B. Sulfur, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Halogens
• C. Phosphorous, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Halogens
• D. Halogens, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Sulfur

Hint:

The Sodium Fusion (Lassaigne's) test is specifically for detecting heteroatoms N, S, P, and halogens in organic compounds. It does not detect C, H, or O.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The sodium fusion test, also known as Lassaigne's test, is a method used in qualitative analysis to detect the presence of foreign elements (heteroatoms) in an organic compound.
In this test, the organic compound is fused with metallic sodium, which converts the heteroatoms into water-soluble ionic sodium salts.
- Nitrogen is converted to sodium cyanide (NaCN).
- Sulfur is converted to sodium sulfide (Na$_2$S).
- Halogens (Cl, Br, I) are converted to sodium halides (NaX).
- Phosphorus is converted to sodium phosphate (Na$_3$PO$_4$).
These ionic salts can then be detected by specific chemical tests on the aqueous extract.
The test is not used for Carbon and Hydrogen as they are the basic constituents of organic compounds.
Oxygen is not detected by this test.
Therefore, the set of elements that can be detected using the sodium fusion extract is Sulfur, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Halogens.