In Lassaigne's test for detecting nitrogen, the ultimate confirmation is the appearance of a Prussia — Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Chemistry Question
Question
In Lassaigne's test for detecting nitrogen, the ultimate confirmation is the appearance of a Prussian blue colour. This characteristic colour is chemically attributed to the formation of which complex coordination compound?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
During Lassaigne's test, cyanide ions ($CN^-$) react with $Fe^{2+}$ to form hexacyanidoferrate(II) ions, $[Fe(CN)_6]^{4-}$. Upon heating with concentrated acid, some $Fe^{2+}$ oxidizes to $Fe^{3+}$, which then reacts with the hexacyanidoferrate(II) complex to precipitate iron(III) hexacyanidoferrate(II), $Fe_4[Fe(CN)_6]_3$, giving the characteristic Prussian blue colour.
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