Method for Detection of Elements - Oxygen

There is no any type of satisfactory qualitative method for the detection of oxygen. Though, its presence can be inferred indirectly.

(i) If the organic compound is heated only in a dry test tube in the existence of nitrogen, the formation of water drops on cooler parts of the tube may point out the existence of oxygen.

(ii) The existence of oxygen can be inferred by testing the presence of functional groups known to consist of oxygen, for example, hydroxyl (-OH), aldehydic (-CHO), carboxyl (-COOH) groups, etc.