Pharmaceutical Biochemistry I (Practical) Experiment No 7

IODINE TEST
Iodine test is a qualitative test for detection of polysaccharides. This test can differentiate
between starch, glycogen and dextrin.

Principle
Polysaccharide molecules possess the property of adsorption. So iodine is adsorbed on the
helically coiled surfaces of polysaccharide to form the complex of ill-defined nature. At least
eight molecules of the monosaccharide units should be joined in the linear chain to give this
color complex. On addition of alkalies, the secondary valencies of the polysaccharide are
disturbed and releases iodine from its surface, therefore the colour disappears. The strong
acid restores the secondary valencies and helps in adsorption of iodine, thus the solution
again regains its colour. Heating decreases the property of adsorption, on heating the iodine
and polysaccharide complex dissociates and therefore the color disappears. Cooling restore
the complex and color.

Reagents
1. 2% Lugol’s iodine solution (Lugol’s reagent): dissolve 2.5gm of iodine and 7.5gm of
potassium iodide in 500ml of water
2. 10% NaOH solution
3. Concentrated HCl
Pharmaceutical Biochemistry I (Practical) Experiment No 7

Procedure
1. Take 3ml of carbohydrate solution the in the test tube. Acidify it with one drop of
HCl.
2. Now add small drop of iodine solution in this test tube and mix it. Because excess of
iodine can give the false results, therefore, it is better to use the glass rod to obtain
small quantity of iodine. Dip the tip of glass rod in iodine solution. The tip will carry
very small amount of iodine. Now mix this amount of iodine in the above test tube by
dipping the tip of the test tube.
3. Starch gives the blue color on addition of iodine.
4. Dextrin will give the reddish-purple color on addition of iodine.
5. Glycogen will give the reddish-brown color on addition of iodine.
6. No change in the color will indicate the polysaccharides.

Precautions
1. Iodine solution should not be added in the excess.
2. The test should not be carried out in the alkaline medium.
3. Iodine solution is toxic and corrosive.
4. Avoid contact with the skin and clothing