Molisch’s test

Molisch s test A general test for carbohydrates. The carbohydrate is dissolved in water, alcoholic 1-naphthol added, and concentrated sulphuric acid poured down the side of the tube. A deep violet ring is formed at the junction of the liquids. A modification, the rapid furfural test , is used to distinguish between glucose and fructose. A mixture of the sugar, 1-naphthol, and concentrated hydrochloric acid is boiled. With fructose and saccharides containing fructose a violet colour is produced immediately the solution boils. With glucose the appearance of the colour is slower. 

Molisch s Test. Dissolve about 01 g. of the carbohydrate in z ml. of water (for starch use 2 ml. of starch solution ), add 2-3 drops of a 1 % alcoholic solution of i-naphthol (ignoring traces of the latter precipitated by the water) and then carefully pour 2 ml. of cone. H2SO4 down the side of the test-tube so that it forms a heavy layer at the bottom. A deep violet coloration is produced where the liquids meet. This coloration is due apparently to the formation of an unstable condensation product of i-naphthol with furfural (an aldehyde produced by the dehydration of the carbohydrate). 

Molisch s test See alpha-naphthol test. mucoprotein See proteoglycan. 

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