When performing Lassaigne's test to identify halogens, the sodium fusion extract must first be boiled with concentrated nitric acid () before the addition of silver nitrate (). The primary chemical ra

Question

When performing Lassaigne's test to identify halogens, the sodium fusion extract must first be boiled with concentrated nitric acid ($HNO_3$) before the addition of silver nitrate ($AgNO_3$). The primary chemical rationale for this boiling step is to:

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. If the organic compound also contains nitrogen or sulphur, fusion creates and . These ions interfere with the halogen test by forming (white ppt) and (black ppt) with . Boiling with concentrated decomposes them, expelling and gases before testing for halogens.

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