VIRTUAL LAB SHEET NO.

3
Xanthoproteic Test

Name: Score:

Objectives:
» detect amino acids containing an aromatic group (tyrosine and tryptophan) in a
protein solution through Xanthoproteic test.

YouTube Video URL:

» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghSCOx5dy9Y&t=62s

Materials: 1% egg albumin solution, Concentrated Nitric Acid (or 65%), 6N sodium hydroxide
solution

Procedure:
1. In a test tube containing 2 ml of a protein solution, add 1 ml of a concentrated HNO3.
2. The white precipitate, will turn yellow upon heating, and finally will dissolve giving a yellow color
to the solution.
3. Cool the solution down. Carefully add 3 ml of 6 N NaOH. Note that the yellow color turns
orange.

Analysis:

1. What molecular structure of tryptophan and tyrosine gives a positive result of the test?
2. Describe the evidences of a positive Xanthoproteic test result.

3. List 5 abundant sources of tryptophan and tyrosine. Discuss the functions of these amino
acids in the human body.