Question

In the copper oxide test, how are carbon and hydrogen detected in an organic compound?

Options

• By formation of ammonia and sulphur dioxide

• By formation of carbon dioxide and water

• By formation of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide

• By formation of nitric acid and sulphuric acid

Answer 1

By formation of carbon dioxide and water

Explanation: 

On heating the compound with cupric oxide, carbon is oxidised to carbon dioxide (tested with lime water) and hydrogen to water (tested with anhydrous copper sulphate).