Pyrrolidine, also known as tetrahydropyrrole, is an organic compound with the molecular formula (CH2)4NH. It is a cyclic secondary amine, also classified as a saturated heterocycle. It is a colourless liquid that is miscible with water and most organic solvents. It has a characteristic odor that has been described as “ammoniacal, fishy, shellfish-like”. In addition to pyrrolidine itself, many substituted … Read more
Phenetole, also known as ethoxybenzene, is an aromatic ether commonly used as a solvent and as a precursor in organic synthesis. It can be prepared via Williamson ether synthesis, which involves the reaction of an alkoxide ion with a primary alkyl halide or sulfate ester. Here’s a simplified outline of the preparation of phenetole using … Read more
A flame is a combination of burning gases giving out heat and light. The Bunsen burner produces two different types of flame: Luminous flame Non-luminous flame The Bunsen burner consists of a metal tube on a base with a gas inlet at the lower end of the tube, which may have an adjusting valve; openings … Read more
What Is Tollens’ Test? Tollens’ test also referred to as silver-mirror test is a qualitative laboratory test used to distinguish between aldehyde and ketone. The test is named after a German chemist, Bernard Tollens who discovered the test. The test involves use of Tollens’ reagent which must be prepared immediately prior to its use as … Read more
What Is Lead Sulfide Test? Lead sulfide test also referred to as lead acetate test is a biochemical test for the detection of amino acids like cysteine and cystine. The test is a specific test for the detection of amino acids containing sulfur, S-S group in cysteine and S-H group in cysteine. It is important … Read more
Amines Amines may be considered as substitution products of ammonia. When one hydrogen atom of ammonia is replaced with an alkyl or aryl group,the resulting amine is called primary amine (R—NH2). When two hydrogen atoms of ammonia molecule are replaced with two alkyl or aryl groups, the resulting compound is called secondary amine. The replacement … Read more
Carboxylic Acids Carboxylic acid, any of a class of organic compounds in which a carbon (C) atom is bonded to an oxygen (O) atom by a double bond and to a hydroxyl group (―OH) by a single bond. A fourth bond links the carbon atom to a hydrogen (H) atom or to some other univalent combining group. The carboxyl (COOH) group is so-named … Read more
Aldehydes and Ketones Aldehydes and ketones have a carbonyl group (C=O) as a functional group. A ketone has two alkyl or aryl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon (RCOR’). The simplest ketone is acetone, which has two methyl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon (CH3COCH3). An aldehyde is similar to a ketone, except that instead … Read more
Phenols Phenol (also called carbolic acid) is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula C6H5OH. It is a white crystalline solid that is volatile. The molecule consists of a phenyl group (−C6H5) bonded to a hydroxy group (−OH). Mildly acidic, it requires careful handling because it can cause chemical burns. Phenol was first extracted from coal tar, but today is produced on a large scale (about 7 billion kg/year) from petroleum-derived feedstocks. It … Read more