Methodology

There were six different compounds used in the experiment, namely hexane, heptane,
cyclohexane, cyclohexene, benzene andtoluene. Different tests were performed todetermine the
type of hydrocarbon used in each sample
A.)Physical State, Color and Odor
The first step in the experiment was to determine the physical characteristics of the samples. The
physical state and color were noted and the odor was recorded by fanning each sample to
determine
its
smell.
The
first
test
accomplished
was
the
test
for
solubility or miscibility of the compound in concentrated H2SO4.
B.)Solubility in Concentrated H2SO4
A dry and calibrated dropper was used to add a drop of the sample cautiously added
to about 1 ml of conc. H2SO4. The color change or any warming effect was noted immediately.
C.)Ignition Test
For
the
ignition
test,
3-5
drops
of
sample was placed in a small evaporatingdish and lighted with a match. The
flammability, color of flame produced and formation of soot was observed during the test.

the

D.)Test for Active Unsaturation

Two different tests were accomplished to check for the Active Unsaturation of a compound.
a.)Baeyers Test
In the Baeyers test, 2 drops of 2% KMnO4 was added to 5 drops
of the sample in a dry test tube. The tube was shaken vigorously and the rate and extent at which
the reagent is decolorized was observed. The formation of a brown suspension was
also noted. Water as the negative control was compared.
b.) Bromine Test
Besides the Baeyers test, Bromine test was also performed. 10 drops of 0.5% Br 2 in CCl4 was
placed with 5 drops of the sample in a dry test tube. Similar to the Baeyers test, the test tube was
shaken vigorously and the rate and extent by which the reagent is decolorized was observed.
Water,
as
a
negative
control
was
also
compared. If the reaction failed todecolorize within 1 minute, themixture was exposed to the
sunlight.
E.)Test for Aromaticity: Nitration
The next test performed was the test for Aromaticity through Nitration. The resulting mixture
was cooled to room temperature. The solution served as the nitrating mixture. Then, 8 drops of
the
nitrating
mixture
was
added
to
5
drops
of the sample in a dry test tube and wasshaken to ensure complete mixing. Theformation of a yell
ow oily layer or dropletwas noted. The mixture was then dilutedwith 20 drops of water. The test
tube wasplaced in a water bath for 10 minutes if there is no apparent reaction observed within a
minute.

F.)Basic Oxidation
The last test was for alkylated aromatics or arenes which was the Basic Oxidation test. 8 drops of
2% KMnO4 solution and 3 drops of 10% NaOH solution was added to 4 drops of the sample in a
test tube. Each test tube was warmed in a water bath for 2 minutes and the color change and
formation of a brown precipitate was observed.