Carbon is an essential element for life on Earth, and it forms the basis of all organic compounds. Carbon compounds are found in many forms, including sugars, proteins, fats, and hydrocarbons. In this article, we will discuss the various tests for carbon and its compounds.


Carbon is a non-metallic element that occurs in several forms. The most common forms of carbon are graphite and diamond. However, carbon also exists in the form of charcoal, coal, and carbon black. Here are some tests for carbon:

1. Burning Test: Carbon burns in air to form carbon dioxide gas. When carbon is heated in air, it burns with a blue flame, producing carbon dioxide gas.


2. Lime Water Test: When carbon dioxide gas is passed through lime water, it turns milky. This is because carbon dioxide reacts with lime water to form calcium carbonate, which is insoluble in water.


3. Heating Test: When carbon is heated with concentrated sulphuric acid, it forms carbon monoxide gas. This test is also known as the "carbon monoxide test."

Organic compounds are compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen. They are found in living organisms and form the basis of many materials, including plastics, fuels, and medicines. Here are some tests for organic compounds:

1. Burning Test: Organic compounds burn in air to form carbon dioxide gas and water. When an organic compound is heated in air, it burns with a yellow flame, producing carbon dioxide gas and water.


2. Bromine Water Test: When an organic compound is mixed with bromine water, the orange color of the bromine water disappears. This is because the organic compound reacts with the bromine water, causing it to be reduced to colorless bromide ions.


3. Iodine Test: When an organic compound is mixed with iodine solution, the color of the iodine solution changes. This is because the organic compound reacts with the iodine, causing it to be reduced to colorless iodide ions.

Carbon and its compounds are essential for life on Earth. They are found in many forms and can be tested using a variety of methods. The burning test, lime water test, and heating test are used to test for carbon, while the burning test, bromine water test, and iodine test are used to test for organic compounds.