Aniline acetate test
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The aniline acetate test is a chemical test for the presence of certain carbohydrates, in which they are converted to furfural with hydrochloric acid, which reacts with aniline acetate to produce a bright pink color. Pentoses give a strong reaction, and hexoses give a much weaker reaction.[1]
Classification | Colorimetric method |
---|---|
Analytes | Pentoses |
Procedure and mechanism
A dry sample is dissolved in a small volume of hydrochloric acid and briefly heated. A piece of paper, previously impregnated with aniline acetate, is exposed to the vapor from the sample solution. A bright pink color on the paper is positive for the presence of pentoses.
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Hydrochloric acid dehydrates pentoses (sugars containing five carbon atoms) to produce furfural. The reaction of furfural and aniline produces a bright pink color. Hexoses, which are sugars which contain six carbons, are not dehydrated to furfural, and so they do not produce a pink color.
Interferences
3-Furanaldehyde responds to the usual tests for aldehydes, but unlike 2-furanaldehyde it gives no color test with aniline acetate.
References
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