Duma’s Method (Nitrogen)

Rarely Tested

$$\% \text{ N} = \frac{28}{22400} \times \frac{V_{\text{N}_2 \text{ at STP (in mL)}}}{\text{Mass of Organic Compound}} \times 100$$

STP Volume Conversion Formula:

To convert the volume of nitrogen gas ($$V_1$$) collected at experimental temperature ($$T_1$$) and pressure ($$P_1$$) to volume at STP ($$V_{\text{STP}}$$):

$$\frac{P_{\text{STP}} \cdot V_{\text{STP}}}{T_{\text{STP}}} = \frac{(P_1 - p) \cdot V_1}{T_1}$$

$$V_{\text{STP}} = \frac{(P_1 - p) \cdot V_1 \cdot 273}{760 \cdot T_1}$$

(where $$p$$ = aqueous tension/vapor pressure of water at $$T_1$$, $$P_{\text{STP}} = 760 \text{ mm Hg}$$, and $$T_{\text{STP}} = 273 \text{ K}$$).

A known mass of the nitrogen-containing organic compound is heated strongly with copper oxide ($$\text{CuO}$$) in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide ($$\text{CO}_2$$). Carbon and hydrogen are oxidized to $$\text{CO}_2$$ and $$\text{H}_2\text{O}$$, while nitrogen is liberated as gaseous dinitrogen ($$\text{N}_2$$). Any oxides of nitrogen ($$\text{NO}_x$$) formed as side-products are reduced back to nitrogen gas by passing over a heated copper spiral.

$$\text{C}_x\text{H}_y\text{N}_z + (2x + \frac{y}{2})\text{CuO} \xrightarrow{\Delta, \, \text{CO}_2} x\text{CO}_2 + \frac{y}{2}\text{H}_2\text{O} + \frac{z}{2}\text{N}_2 + (2x + \frac{y}{2})\text{Cu}$$

$$\text{Oxides of Nitrogen} + \text{Cu} \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{N}_2 + \text{CuO}$$

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