Alpha-naphthol Test Guide

The reaction depends on the ability of strong mineral acids to carbohydrates. Dehydration: When concentrated sulfuric acid ( H2SO4cap H sub 2 cap S cap O sub 4

) is added to the sample, it dehydrates the carbohydrates into aldehyde derivatives. (5-carbon sugars) form furfural . Hexoses (6-carbon sugars) form 5-hydroxymethylfurfural . alpha-naphthol test

The , more commonly known as the Molisch test , is a highly sensitive qualitative chemical assay used to detect the presence of carbohydrates in a given sample. Named after the Austrian botanist Hans Molisch , it serves as a preliminary screening tool to differentiate carbohydrates from other biomolecules like proteins and lipids. Principle of the Test The reaction depends on the ability of strong

These furfural derivatives then react (condense) with alpha-naphthol (the Molisch reagent). Hexoses (6-carbon sugars) form 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

This reaction produces a characteristic purple or violet-colored ring at the interface (junction) between the acid and the test solution. Laboratory Procedure The test is typically performed following these steps: biochemical and: OneLook Thesaurus