Unknown Chemical

This test can determine if a solid material is organic or inorganic. The burn test can be performed in a steel spoon or in a test tube. Place a small sample in the spoon or test tube and gently heat. Any organic material will burn if it gets hot enough, producing smoke and often the black residue of elemental carbon. Most inorganics will not burn; the exceptions are some metals (especially fine powders), hydrosulfites and sulfur. Burned metals will leave some residue (their oxides), white or colored (this can give you a clue as to the identity of the metal.) Sulfur will melt into a red-brown liquid that will then burn with a blue-purple flame.

WARNING! Because many substances give off toxic fumes when heated, perform this test only in a functioning fume hood and use great care.