The experiment: Classification tests on Organic Compounds, allows the students to be familiarized with different classification tests used for identifying the different classes of organic compounds; examine unknown compounds using appropriate tests; and identify functional group of an organic compound based on the tests performed. Several organic compounds with different functional groups were tested to identify the functional groups present in the compound. n-heptane, pentene, benzene, heptanol, sec-butanol, phenol, acetyl chloride, buteraldehyde, benzaldehyde, 2-butanone, propanoic acid, sucrose, diethyl ether, butyl bromide, acetonitrile, L-alanine, n-amyl acetate, benzene sulfonyl chloride and aniline were used as test compounds. Observations were noted, such as changes in color and product formation. Iodine test, bromine test, Baeyer Test, Chloroform and aluminum chloride, fuming sulfuric acid, acetyl chloride, chromic acid, iodoform, Lucas’ test, Anilide formation, ester formation, hydrolysis, hydroxamic acid, Benedict’s test, Chromic test, 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine, Fehling’s solution, Schiff’s reagent, Tollen’s test, bromine water, cerric ammonium nitrate, ferric chloride, esterification, sodium bicarbonate, silver nitrate, Barfoed’s test, Borax Test, Bial test, Osazones, Seliwanoff’s test, Molisch test, Beilstein test, hydroxamic test, sodium hydroxide hydrolysis, complex copper formation, ninhydrin test, nitrous acid, alkaline hydrolysis and, Zinc and ammonium chloride hydrolysis were used for the test for presence of functional groups.
II. Introduction
Preliminary tests previously learned are not enough to identify organic compounds. Functional groups present in organic compounds must be identified. Acetyl chloride test can be used for alcohols, amines and phenols. A positive result for alcohol is the formation of a separate layer, and is usually accompanied by heat. For amines, solid amides were formed. Alkaline