Explain the reason for the fusion of an organic compound with metallic sodium for testing nitrogen, sulphur and halogens.

Explanation

Nitrogen, sulphur and halogen atoms, present in organic compounds, are bonded by covalent bonds. So their detection is not easy. By fusion with sodium metal these elements are converted into NaCN or `Na_(2)S` or NaX , i.e., in an ionic form. These compounds are soluble in water and can easily be detected by ionic reactions.