Carbohydrates - Seliwanoff's Test
Shows positive test for:
Reactions:
The test reagent dehydrates ketohexoses to form 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural further reacts with resorcinol present in the test reagent to produce a red product within two minutes (reaction not shown). Aldohexoses react to form the same product, but do so more slowly.
How to perform the test:
One half ml of a sample solution is placed in a test tube. Two ml of Seliwanoff's reagent (a solution of resorcinol and HCl) is added. The solution is then heated in a boiling water bath for two minutes.
A positive test is indicated by:
The formation of a red product.
a negative test (left) and a positive test (right)