Cortez, Faith Ann 10/3/22

BSMT 2 Prof. Cecilio Ichon, RMT

Reaction Paper 2:
Carbohydrates

I learned for this activity that the

carbohydrates test in Molisch’s Test is
that the development of a purple ring
at the layer formed by the
concentrated acid is a positive
indicator for Molisch's test. If no purple
or reddish-purple color arises, the
given analyte does not contain any
carbohydrate. A purple ring appears at
the interface between the acid and test layers which confirms the presence of
carbohydrates. The presence of carbohydrates is indicated if the test solution
creates purple or purplish-red tinted layers. As a result, the Molisch test results
are positive. Carbohydrates are the most abundant and diverse class of organic
compounds occurring in nature. It played a key role in the establishment and
evolution of life on earth by creating a direct link between the sun and chemical
energy. Molisch’s test is a general test for carbohydrates. This test is given by
almost all of the carbohydrates. In this test, concentrated sulfuric acid converts
the given carbohydrate into furfural or its derivatives, which react with α-
naphthol to form a purple colored product. Therefore, when reducing sugars are
present in the analyte, the cupric ions (Cu2+) in Benedict's reagent are reduced to
cuprous ions (Cu+). These cuprous ions form copper(I) oxide with the reaction
mixture and precipitate out as a brick-red colored
compound.
FAITH ANN CORTEZ