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Experiment # 6

GENERAL TESTS FOR CARBOHYDRATES

Group Number: Group 6 Year/Section: BN 1-A

Date Performed: September 26, 2022 Date Submitted: October 5, 2022
Members: Florendo, Franz Axel G.
Tingson, Abigail M.

Objective: To study and perform the different tests that are used to establish the presence of
carbohydrate in a material.

Procedure:

A. MOLISCH TEST

The Molisch test is a general test for carbohydrates in free or combined form. In
the presence of conc. H2SO4, glycosidic bonds are hydrolysed giving monosaccharides
which are then dehydrated to furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and other decomposition
products. Although this is not specific for carbohydrates alone because it is given by
furfural and all other furfural-forming substances, a negative result is good evidence of
the absence of carbohydrates.

1. In each of the three test tubes, place separately 2 mL of 5% solutions of glucose,

sucrose, and starch.
2. To each test tube, add 2 mL of Molisch reagent. Mix well. Incline each tube and
carefully pour down the side 2 mL of conc. H2SO4, taking care that the concentrated
acid forms a layer at the bottom of the test tube.
3. Note the color formed at the junction of the two layers.

MOLISCH TEST : General test for Carbohydrates.

Samples Observed Results Analyses

2 mL of 5% glucose ● Purplish-red
solution ring was
formed at the +
bottom of this
solution.
 2 mL of 5% sucrose ● Purple-colored
solution ring was
formed at the +
bottom of this
solution.

● No
2 mL of 5% starch purplish-red or
solution purple colored _
ring observed
in this
solution.

ANALYSIS: Molisch’s test is a chemical test which is used to check for the presence of
carbohydrates in a given analyte. The positive result that carbohydrate is present was observed
on both glucose and sucrose. Glucose yielded a purplish-red colored ring while the sucrose
yielded a purple ring colored. On the other hand, no purplish-red or purple colored ring was
observed in the starch solution which indicated the lack of carbohydrates. Thus, the formation of
a purple or a purplish-red ring at the point of contact between the H2SO4, the analyte and
Molisch’s reagent mixture confirms the presence of carbohydrates in the analyte.
Starch IS a carbohydrate. Perhaps it needed more time to form the violet ring or it was too thin/faint.

B. MOORE’S TEST

This test is based on the liberation of aldehydes which subsequently polymerize to form
a resinous substance, caramel.

1. In each of three test tubes, place 1 mL of conc. NaOH.

2. To each first, add 1 mL of 5% glucose solution. To the second, add 1 mL of 5%
sucrose solution. And to the third, 5% starch solution.
3. Boil the solutions and observe the change in color and odor produced in each tube.
MOORE’S TEST : Test of Aldehydes.

Samples Observed Results Analyses

● The solution
1 mL of 5% glucose turns into a
yellowish +
solution
brown color
and it has an
odor like a
sweet
caramel.

● Cloudy color
1 mL of 5% sucrose was
observed in _
solution
this solution
and it has an
odor like a
burned
candle.

● Cloudy color
1 mL of 5% starch was also
observed in
solution
this solution
and it has a _
strong bad
odor.

ANALYSIS: A yellowish brown color was observed in glucose solution which indicated a
positive result and yielded a sweet caramel like odor. On the other hand, both sucrose and
starch solution turned into cloudy color which indicated a negative result.

Only reducing sugars will react positively in Moore's Test. Both sucrose and starch are
non-reducing sugars.
 C. ANTHRONE TEST

The Anthrone test is another general test for carbohydrates. The H2SO4 hydrolyses
bound sugars to yield furfural or furfural derivatives. This reacts with anthrone to form
colored compounds.

1. To each of three test tubes, place separately 1 mL of 5% glucose solution, 1mL of

5% sucrose solution, and 1 mL of 5% starch solution.
2. To each, add 1 mL of anthrone reagent and mix.
3. Let stand for some time and note the color produced immediately and after one hour.
4. If the solution is milky, dilute with 50% H2SO4 or glacial acetic acid.

ANTHRONE TEST : General test for Carbohydrates.

Samples Observed Results Analyses

● Dark color
1 mL of 5% glucose among the
solutions was +
solution
observed.

● Darkest color
1 mL of 5% sucrose among the
solutions was +
solution
observed.

● Darker color
1 mL of 5% starch among the
solutions was +
solution
observed.
ANALYSIS: The presence of a dark color or a blue-green color indicates the presence of
carbohydrates in the given solution. Sucrose solution yielded the darkest color. Then, starch
yielded a dark color where both of the solutions indicate that carbohydrates are present. On the
other hand, glucose yielded a light color among the solutions. Anthrone test is a chemical test
which is also used to check for the presence of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates get dehydrated
when they react with conc. H2SO4 to form furfural. This furfural reacts with anthrone to give a
dark color in solution.

Conclusion?

References:

仁佐藤. (n.d.). No Title戦後日本の対外経済協力と国内事情 原料確保をめ ぐる国内政策と

対外政策の連続と断絶. アジア経済, 4–6.

Mondal, S. (2021). Tests for specific carbohydrates : Anthrone test ; Mucic acid test ;
Osazone test ; Test for non-reducing sugars ; Bial ’ s test . Anthrone Test Principle
Uses of Anthrone Test Limitations of Anthrone Test Mucic acid test Principle Mucic
acid Test Procedu. November.