ACTIVITY 1

Tests to Differentiate Organic from Inorganic Compounds

The basic study of organic chemistry is largely concerned with the general properties of
organic compounds, their distinction from inorganic compounds and their chemical behaviour
according to the functional group/s present in them. Organic compounds are unstable compared
with most inorganic compounds, with many having no sharp melting points, decomposing and
charring at moderately high temperatures. Comparatively few of them ionize because of the
nature of bonds that hold their atoms together in a molecule. Accordingly, they are most non –
electrolytes, with a few being weak electrolytes

Reagents and Materials:

1g Sucrose 100ml 95% Ethyl alcohol

1g Sodium chloride 2ml Ether
1g Naphthalene 1ml Ethyl alcohol
100ml 1M Glycerol Bunsen burner
100ml 1M Sodium Chloride Electric conductivity apparatus

Procedure:
1. Ignition test
a) Flammability
a. Place 2 to 3 drops of Ethyl alcohol in a watch glass. Touch the ethyl alcohol with
a lighted match stick. Observe whether it is flammable or non – flammable. Take
note of the luminosity (color and amount of smoke formed) if a flame is
produced. Repeat the test using water instead of ethyl alcohol. Compare the
results obtained.
b) Charring
a. Place a pinch of Sucrose in a dry evaporating dish. Heat it gently over a low flame
for a few minutes until change is seen, then heat strongly until the substance is
burned. Observe the nature of the residue left after ignition. Repeat the test using
a pinch of sodium chloride instead of sucrose. Compare results.

2. Solubility test
a. Into 2 separate test tubes, place 1ml each of distilled water and ether. Add a pinch of
naphthalene powder to each test tube. Shake and observe. Repeat the test using
sodium chloride instead of naphthalene. Compare results.

3. Test for Electric conductivity

a. In 3 separate beakers, prepare 100ml each of 1M glycerol, 1M NaCl and 95% ethyl
alcohol.
 b. Immerse the two electrodes of the electric conductivity apparatus into 100ml of 1M
glycerol. Plug the conductivity apparatus into the electric outlet and put the power on.
Observe if the bulb will light up. CAUTION: Put off the power before removing the
beaker of solution.
c. Repeat the test with 100ml of 1M NaCl and then with 100 ml of 95% ethyl alcohol.
Compare results.

Questions:
1. What is the chemical composition of the residue left in the charring test?
2. Account for the observed solubility of naphthalene and sodium chloride in water and in
ether based on the nature of bonds that exist in them?
3. What are electrolytes? Non – electrolyte?
4. Based on your observations, what type of bonding is present in glycerol and ethyl
alcohol? Justify your answer.
5. Based on the answer in no.3 classify the compounds accordingly.
6. Write generalizations stating the observed properties of organic compounds.
Name Date

Group no.

Activity 1
Tests to Differentiate Organic from Inorganic Compounds
I. Ignition test

a. Flammability
Chemicals used Observation

Ethyl alcohol

Water

b. Charring
Chemicals used Observation

Sucrose

Sodium chloride

II. Solubility test

Chemicals used Solubility in water Solubility in ether

Naphthalene

Sodium Chloride

III. Electrical Conductivity

Chemical used Observation

1M glycerol
1M sodium chloride

95% ethyl alcohol