Organic compounds undergo oxidation in the presence of a suitable oxidizing agent. In this process, carbon is oxidized to CO2 and hydrogen is oxidized to water.
Procedure: The compound is initially lime water mixed with dry cupric oxide. The mixture is strongly heated in a hard glass test, tube fitted with a cork and a delivery tube. The liberated gases are passed into lime water. Carbon present in compound is oxidised by cupic oxide to carbon dioxide, which turns lime water milky. The hydrogen present in the compound is converted into water which turns anhydrous copper sulphate to blue hydrated salt.
