Saint Louis University

School of Engineering & Architecture

Department of Chemical Engineering

I. OBJECTIVES
At the end of the experiment, the student should able to examine the composition of
organic compounds and differentiate it from inorganic compounds through observations of
their physical and chemical properties

II. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Organic Chemistry is the study of structure, properties, composition, and reaction of
compounds and how it can be differentiate from inorganic compounds. This branch of
chemistry was originally limited to compounds produced by living organisms but had been
broadened to include human-made substances such as plastics.
Organic compounds are carbon-containing compounds, which include not only
hydrocarbons but also compounds mixed with other elements, including hydrogen, nitrogen,
oxygen, halogens, phosphorus, and sulfur, while inorganic compounds are any substance in
which two or more chemical elements (usually other than carbon) are combined, nearly
always in definite proportions. This pertains to the structural differences. The main difference
is in the presence of a carbon atom; organic compounds will contain a carbon atom (and
often a hydrogen atom, to form hydrocarbons), while almost all inorganic compounds do not
contain either of those two atoms. Another important distinction between organic and
inorganic compounds is the type of molecule and its association with living things. Organic
compounds will include things like the nucleic acids, found in DNA, lipids and fatty acids
found in the cells of living organisms, proteins and enzymes. Meanwhile, inorganic
compounds include the salts, metals, and other elemental compounds.
Many tests are available to determine whether a compound is organic and inorganic
compound without looking at its structures. Both compounds have a large scope of difference
in physically and chemically.

III. MATERIALS
B. Classification and Uses
Equipment Uses
1. Bunsen Burner Used as the heater in laboratories

EXPERIMENT 01 : INORGANIC AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 1

 Saint Louis University
School of Engineering & Architecture
Department of Chemical Engineering

2. Test tube Used to hold small amounts of liquids and other solids
3. Beaker Used to hold amounts of liquids and other solids. Used
also in water baths
4. Evaporating Used to hold liquids that needs to undergo evaporation
Dish for better observation of its reaction
5. Iron stand Used to hold or clamp laboratory glassware and other
equipment in place, so that it does not fall down or
come apart.
6. Wire Gauze Supported the equipment to be used during
boiling/heating of compound
7. Electronic Measures the amount of substance needed in an
Balance experiment

IV. METHODOLOGY/ PROCEDURE

There are different test to determine whether a compound is organic and inorganic. The
following test were to be made and observed to determine their physical and chemical
differences. Precautions and safety were highly observed too.
Solubility
Measure 2 ml each of water, ethyl alcohol, ether and benzene and add a pinch of benzoic
acid on each. Repeat the same procedure using table salt, calcium carbonate, urea replacing
benzoic acid.
Melting and Boiling Points
For solids: benzoic acid, table salt, urea and calcium carbonate, place 0.5 grams on
separate test tubes and heat them directly over the flame. For liquids: ether, ethyl alcohol, dil.
acetic acid and water, put them on a separate test tubes and water bath until water on the
beaker boils.
Stability Towards Heat
Heat a pinch of salt in test tube for 2 minutes then cool. Repeat with sugar, benzoic acid
and calcium carbonate.

EXPERIMENT 01 : INORGANIC AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 2

 Saint Louis University
School of Engineering & Architecture
Department of Chemical Engineering

Combustibility
Place 5 drops of ethyl alcohol in an evaporating dish then test using a lighted match or
splinter over the evaporating dish. Repeat with ether and chloroform.
Ionization
3 drops of silver nitrate is to be added on a 2ml salt solution. Repeat using carbon
tetrachloride instead of the salt solution.
Acidity and Alkalinity
Test the acidity of salt solution, dilute HCl, dilute acetic acid, ammonium hydroxide and
aniline using litmus paper

V. DATA AND RESULTS

Solubility
Compound Water Ethyl Alcohol Ether Benzene
Benzoic Acid Poorly Soluble Very Soluble Very Soluble Very Soluble
Sodium Very Soluble Insoluble Insoluble Insoluble
Chloride
Calcium Slightly Poorly Soluble Insoluble Insoluble
Carbonate Soluble
Urea Very Soluble Soluble Insoluble Insoluble

Melting and Boiling Points

Compound Melted First Urea
Compound Melted Last Calcium Carbonate
Compound Boiled First Ether
Compound Boiled Last Water

Stability Towards Heat

Compound Observations after heating

EXPERIMENT 01 : INORGANIC AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 3

 Saint Louis University
School of Engineering & Architecture
Department of Chemical Engineering

Sodium Chloride There were popping sounds during heating

Calcium Carbonate No visible changes
Sugar It blackened and caramelized
Benzoic Acid It hardened/ caramelized and then turned white

Combustibility
Compound Combustible or Non-combustible
Ethyl Alcohol Combustible
Ether Combustible
Chloroform Non-combustible

Ionization
Observation
Silver Nitrate + Cloudy and formation of white precipitate
Sodium Chloride
Silver Nitrate + Nothing happened or no visible or no visible changes
Chloroform

Acidity and Alkalinity

Reaction to Litmus Paper Classification as
strong acid, strong
Sample
Blue Litmus Paper Red Litmus Paper base, weak acid or
Substance
weak base
Salt Solution Blue Blue
Dil. HCl Red Red Strong acid
Dil. Acetic acid Red Red Weak acid
Dil. NaOH Blue Blue Weak base
Aniline Red Red Weak base

EXPERIMENT 01 : INORGANIC AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 4

 Saint Louis University
School of Engineering & Architecture
Department of Chemical Engineering

VI. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

Benzoic Acid is soluble in organic compunds/solvents like ethyl alcohol, ether and
benzene, however it is poorly soluble in water. Sodium Chloride is highly soluble in polar
compounds like water and insoluble in non-polar compounds. Most organic compounds do
not dissolve in water and are soluble in organic compounds solvents. On the other hand, most
inorganic compounds can be dissolved in water and are not soluble in organic solvents.
Based on its stability toward heat, organic compounds have lower thermal stability, while
inorganic compounds have higher thermal stability, thus, organic compounds require less
amount of heat to break a compound than inorganic compounds.
Due to the presence of hydrogen and carbon and weak bonding organic compounds
combusted to form carbon dioxide, water and heat energy. Organic compounds rich on C and
H are highly reduced materials. They are there for easily oxidizable by oxygen in a fire. They
burn to produce CO2 and H2O.
Sodium chloride and silver nitrate in dissolved form can react with each other in normal
conditions. Both salts are soluble, but the product of their reaction, silver nitrate is a salt that
is insoluble in water, which precipitates after reaction in a white-curd-like sediment. In
contrast, chloroform contains chlorine, even then it doesn’t give any reaction with silver
nitrate solution because it is a covalent compound. If chlorine is present in the ionic forming
any compound, only then it can give reaction with silver nitrate solution to give precipitate of
silver chloride.
Acid and base properties of organic compounds are much the same as the properties of
inorganic acids and base. There are both strong and weak inorganic acids and bases, while
organic compounds and bases are universally weak. Thus, the inorganic acids and bases do
not exhibit the acid and base as “strongly” as the strong mineral acids and inorganic bases.

VII. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Physically, we can observe the differences of organic and inorganic compounds but the
careful and accurate observations of the reaction must be done in order to examine the
chemical differences of organic and inorganic compounds. It is recommended to be extra-

EXPERIMENT 01 : INORGANIC AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 5

 Saint Louis University
School of Engineering & Architecture
Department of Chemical Engineering

careful in every tests. The container of each of the chemicals must be tightly closed after
each of experiment so there is no leakage and contamination of the acids and base. Be
attentive on the experiment especially when using the Bunsen burner.

VIII. APPENDICES
A. DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Solubility - ability for a given substance, the solute, to dissolve in a solvent
2. Melting Point - the temperature at which it changes state from solid to liquid
3. Boiling Point - temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the
pressure surrounding the liquid and the liquid changes into a vapor
4. Stability Towards Heat - property of a molecule to retain its three dimensional
structure intact in high ambient temperatures.
5. Combustibility - measure of how easily a substance bursts into flame, through
fire or combustion
6. Ionization - process by which an atom or a molecule acquires a negative or
positive charge by gaining or losing electrons, often in conjunction with other
chemical changes
7. Alkalinity - capability of a substance to neutralize acid
8. Acidity - the level of acid in substances such as water, soil, or wine

B. DOCUMENTATION

Melting and boiling point, and stability towards heat

set-up.
EXPERIMENT 01 : INORGANIC AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 6
 Saint Louis University
School of Engineering & Architecture
Department of Chemical Engineering

C. COMPUTATIONS
- N/A

D. Answers to Questions/Problems
1. Name 5 other differences between organic and inorganic compounds not
illustrated in this experiment.
 Conductivity
Organic: Poor conductors of electricity and heat.
Inorganic: In aqueous solutions, they are good conductors of electricity.

 Viscosity
Organic: Intermolecular forces are weak, therefore their viscosity tend to be low.
Inorganic: Tend to have strong intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding, thus
they have higher viscosity.

 Density
Organic: Tend to be typically less dense.
Inorganic: Tend to be denser.

 Salt Formation
Organic: They do not form or make salt.
Inorganic: They form or make salt easily.

 Composition
Organic: They do not contain metal atoms.
Inorganic: They contain metal atoms.

2. What are some similarities between organic and inorganic compounds?

(Give atleast three properties)

EXPERIMENT 01 : INORGANIC AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 7

 Saint Louis University
School of Engineering & Architecture
Department of Chemical Engineering

- Presence of Carbon: Both can contain carbon atoms in their structure

- Solubility: Both can be soluble in organic solvents
- Type of Bonding: Both have intermolecular bonds

3. Who is considered as the Father of Oganic Chemistry? What

contribution/s in Organic Chemistry entitled him to be named as such?
- The Father of Organic Chemistry is Friedrich Wöhler. He is a German chemist
who was able to synthesize an organic compound (urea) from an inorganic source
without involving living organisms. This is widely regarded as the starting point of
modern organic chemistry. Thus, he has been dubbed "Father of Organic Chemistry"

4. Give 5 other major uses of organic compounds and 5 other major uses of
organic compounds.
 Organic compound uses
1. Organic acids are organic compounds that have acidic properties that are useful
for oil and gas. They are much less reactive on metals and can be used in different
food industry as preservatives.
2. Aromatic compounds are known as arenes or aromatics are unsaturated and
produce scents on their own that can be used as a solvent like Benzede.
3. Nucleic Acids which is very essential to any form of life for it has biomolecules
and can be found in all living things.
4. Petrochemicals are kind of organic chemical compound. Petroleum that is made
from different resources such as fossil fuels, coal, and natural gas.
5. Organic chemistry is literally everywhere on this planet, from the sky to the
land and underwater. And all life is based on it. Carbon is one of the most common
elements on Earth, and it's atomic and electronic properties allow it to be an
incredibly versatile element that can make a wide variety of bonds with numerous
other elements to give a nearly limitless variety of chemical combinations.

 Inorganic compound uses

EXPERIMENT 01 : INORGANIC AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 8

 Saint Louis University
School of Engineering & Architecture
Department of Chemical Engineering

1 Inorganic compounds are used as catalysts, pigments, coatings, surfactants,

medicines, fuels, and more. They often have high melting points and specific high or
low electrical conductivity properties.
2. Inorganic chemists are employed in fields ranging from mining to microchips.
Their work is based on understanding the behavior and the analogues for inorganic
elements and how these materials can be modified, separated, and used. It includes
developing methods to recover metals from waste streams; employment as analytical
chemists specializing in the analysis of mined ores; and performing research on the
use of inorganic chemicals for treating soil.
3. Environmental chemistry uses inorganic chemistry to understand how the
uncontaminated environment works, which chemicals in what concentrations are
present naturally, and with what effects. They also identify the effects of additives,
such as fertilizers, on natural processes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and other agencies detect and identify the nature and source of pollutants.
4. A pigment is a material that changes the color of reflected or transmitted light
as the result of wavelength-selective absorption. Pigments are classified as either
organic (derived from plant or animal sources) or inorganic (derived from salts or
metallic oxides).
5. Chemistry and material science allows the production of inorganic electronics
with highly ordered layers and interfaces that organic and polymer materials cannot
provide. Precise control of surface composition results in microchips with specific,
desired properties.

5. What are the sources of organic compounds?

- Plants and Animals, Natural Gas and Petroleum, Coal, Synthesis

EXPERIMENT 01 : INORGANIC AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 9

 Saint Louis University
School of Engineering & Architecture
Department of Chemical Engineering

IX. BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES
Bengtson, Harlan. (n.d.). Acid-base properties of organic compounds. Retrieved on August
12, 2019 from https://www.brighthubengineering.com/manufacturing-
technology/100049- working-with-organic-compounds-acid-and-base-properties.

Father of Organic Chemistry (n.d.). Retrieved on August 12, 2019 from

https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/opinion/blogs/father-of-organic-chemistry/1
1132874.blog?firstPass=false.

Inorganic Chemistry. (n.d.). Retrieved on August 12, 2019, from

https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/careers/college-to-career/areas-of-chemistry/inor
ganic-chemistry.html.

Reactions with sodium chloride and silver nitrate. (n.d.). Retrieved on August 12, 2019 from
https://melscience.com/IL-en/articles/reactions-sodium-chloride-and-silver-nitrate/.

Sources of Organic Compounds. (n.d.). Retrieved on August 12, 2019 from https://organic-
chemistri.blogspot.com/2013/02/sources-of-organic-compounds.

Uses of Organic Compounds. (n.d.). Retrieved on August 12, 2019, from

https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/describe-uses-organic-compounds-our-society-
433380.

EXPERIMENT 01 : INORGANIC AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 10