The Lassaigne's extract is boiled with dil HNO3 before testing for halogens because,
- Silver halides are soluble in HNO3.
- AgCN is soluble in HNO3.
- Na2S and NaCN are decomposed by HNO3.
- Ag2S is soluble in HNO3.
Answer
(3) Na2S and NaCN are decomposed by HNO3.
Solution
NaCN + HNO3 NaNO3 + HCN
Na2S + 2HNO3 2NaNO3 + H2S
∵ if not removed, CN- and S2- would give AgCN (white) / Ag2S (black) with AgNO3 and spoil the halide test
(A): silver halides are insoluble in HNO3 ⇒ (A) is wrong
(B), (D): HNO3 removes CN- / S2- before AgNO3 is added; it is not used to dissolve AgCN / Ag2S ⇒ (B), (D) are wrong
(C): Na2S and NaCN are decomposed (as H2S, HCN) ⇒ (C) is correct
Answer: (3)