Question

An organic compound ‘A’ is oxidized with Na₂O₂ followed by boiling with HNO₃. The resultant solution is then treated with ammonium molybdate to yield a yellow precipitate. Based on above observation, the element present in the given compound is ______.

Options

• fluorine

• phosphorus

• nitrogen

• sulphur

Answer 1

An organic compound ‘A’ is oxidized with Na₂O₂ followed by boiling with HNO₃. The resultant solution is then treated with ammonium molybdate to yield a yellow precipitate. Based on above observation, the element present in the given compound is phosphorus.

Explanation:

The yellow precipitate formed on treatment with ammonium molybdate is characteristic of phosphorus. When the organic compound ‘A’ is oxidised with Na₂O₂ and boiled with HNO₃, phosphorus is converted to phosphate ions, which react with ammonium molybdate to give a yellow precipitate of ammonium phosphomolybdate. This confirms the presence of phosphorus in the compound.