MILLONS TEST

Prepared by: Alexandra

Regilyne M. Romero
Samantha Araullo
MILLONS TEST
Millon's test is not specific for proteins (it
actually detects phenolic compounds), and
so must be confirmed by other tests for
proteins such as the biuret test and
the ninhydrin reaction.
The reagent is made by dissolving
metallic mercury in nitric acid and diluting
with water.
The test was developed by the French
chemist Auguste Millon (181267).

Procedure
Add 10 drops of the sample to the test
tube (Sample: Egg albumin, 2% gelatin,
and water)
Add 10 drops of Millon reagent to 10
drops of sample tube
Mix well and heat on water bath
Observe and note the change in color

Test reagent compound
Reagent: Millon Reagent
Composition: Mercuric Nitrate (10415-75-
5) 38%, Nitric Acid (7697-370-2 ) 18%, and
Water (7732-18-5) 44%.

Results
RESULTS
Egg Albumin + Millon
reagent
Light red ppt
Gelatin + Millon reagent Brick red ppt
Water + Millon reagent Colorless solution

Explanation
Millon's reagent (Hg/HNO3) gives positive
results with proteins containing the
phenolic amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine is
the only amino acid that contains a
phenol group on which a hydroxyl group
is attached. Millon's reagent reacts with
the tyrosine residues and gives a positive
result of red coloration to the solution.

Tyrosine C9H11NO3