Question

Explain the principle behind Liebeg’s method of estimation of carbon and hydrogen.

Answer 1

Dear User,
The principle behind Liebig's method is that when a known mass of organic compound is strongly heated with dry cupric oxide, carbon and hydrogen present are quantitatively oxidised to carbon dioxide and water, respectively. The masses of carbon dioxide and water thus, formed are determined and the amounts of carbon and hydrogen in the original compound are calculated.
${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{x}}{\mathrm{H}}_{\mathrm{y}}+{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{excess}\right)\to {\mathrm{xCO}}_2+\frac{\mathrm{y}}{2}{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$