Lassaigne's test (detection of N, S, halogens) (Sodium fusion converts organic N→NaCN, S→Na₂S, X→NaX; detected by specific color tests)
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Sodium fusion converts organic N→NaCN, S→Na₂S, X→NaX; detected by specific color tests
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| Na | Sodium metal (fusion agent) |
| NaX | Sodium halide (X = Cl, Br, I) |
| NaCN | Sodium cyanide (indicates nitrogen) |
| Na₂S | Sodium sulfide (indicates sulfur) |
When to use this
Organic compound heated with excess Na in ignition tube to red heat → plunged into distilled water → filtered = Lassaigne's extract. All elements converted to ionic form for wet testing.