Aim:

To study some simple tests to identify the presence of oils and fats in the given
sample.

Theory:
Fats and oils are greasy in nature and on hydrolysis with aqueous or alcoholic
sodium or potassium hydroxide liberate glycerol. Fats and oils are of vegetable or

animal origin.

The following are the tests to identify the presence of fats and oils.

1. Solubility test
2. Translucent spot test

(a) Solubility Test:

Fats are soluble in organic solvents like chloroform, alcohol, etc. It is insoluble in
water. So, if the given sample forms an oily layer above the surface of the water then
fat is present. Partially soluble in alcohol and fully soluble in chloroform than the
presence of fat is confirmed.

Note: If the sample is miscible with chloroform and immiscible with water then, the
fat presence is confirmed.

(b) Translucent Spot Test:

In this, test the given sample to be tested is rubbed between the folds of filter paper.
The appearance of translucent spot confirms the presence of fats in the given
sample.

Note: If there is a presence of translucent spot then the presence of fats is

confirmed.

Materials Required:
1. Alcohol
2. Chloroform
 3. Filter paper
4. Potassium bisulfate
5. Concentrated hydrochloric acid
6. Furfural solution
7. Test tubes
8. Test tube holder
9. Water bath
10. Dropper
11. Stirrer
12. Bunsen burner

Apparatus Setup:

Procedure:

Preparation of Reagent:
Huble’s reagent – Mix equal volumes of 7% mercury chloride in alcohol with 5%
solution of iodine in 96% of alcohol.

(a) Solubility Test:

1. Take three test tubes which contains 5ml of given sample solution to be tested.
2. Add 5ml of water to the first test tube and observe the solution.
3. To the second test tube, add 5ml of alcohol.
4. To the third test tube add 5ml of chloroform.
 5. Observe the change in solubility of the given sample.
6. If it is soluble in water then fat is absent, if it is sparingly soluble in ethanol then fat is
present and same for chloroform.

(b) Translucent Spot Test:

1. Take the sample to be tested, press a little in the folds of the filter paper.
2. On folding, if there is the appearance of greasy spot indicates the presence of oils or fats.
3. The spot grows larger on heating and drying the filter paper.

Observations and Inference:

Solubility test If the sample is miscible with chloroform and immiscible with water the fat
presence is confirmed.

Translucent spot If there is presence of translucent spot then the presence of fats is confirmed.
test

Results and Discussion:

The given sample contains __________ (fats/oils)

Precautions:
1. Handle the chemicals with care. Not to inhale chloroform since it has anaesthetic effect.
2. Use droppers to take the reagents from the bottle.
3. While performing the experiment use hand gloves and lab aprons.