What is the primary goal of performing sequential chemical tests on an organic compound?

The primary goal of performing sequential chemical tests on an organic compound is to identify and confirm functional groups present in the compound. Each test is designed to react with specific types of functional groups, allowing chemists to deduce which groups are present based on the reactions observed. By analyzing the outcomes of these tests, one can build a detailed profile of the compound's chemical structure and functional groups, which is essential in organic chemistry for understanding reactivity, potential transformations, and applications of the compound in various contexts.

For instance, specific reagents may induce color changes, precipitate formation, or other observable changes that indicate the presence of certain functional groups like alcohols, amines, or carbonyls. This information is crucial for characterizing unknown compounds and is a fundamental skill in organic chemistry laboratories.