Picric Acid Test

y test for the presence of reducing sugars. y used Picric Acid [C6H2(NO2)3OH].

Picric acid is a chemical compound formally called 2,4,6trinitrophenol (TNP).



a toxic yellow crystalline solid and one of the most acidic phenols. It reacts with metal to form metal picrates.

y formation of MAHOGANY RED SOLUTION indicates

positive result.

Table 3: Picric Acid Test

Specificity Sugars used Glucose
Galactose Maltose Fructose Reducing sugars Sucrose Lactose Glycogen Starch

Theoretical Result

Experimental Result Mahogany Red Solution

Mahogany Red Solution Mahogany Red Solution

Illustration

Remarks + + + + + -

Mahogany Red solution

Mahogany Red Solution Yellow Solution Mahogany Red Solution Yellow Solution Yellow Solution

Analysis:
All monosaccharides and disaccharides containing the potentially free aldehyde or ketone group possess reducing properties. They reduce some organic acids when in alkaline solution. The Sodium Carbonate (Na2Co3) is added to make the solution alkaline or basic. Thus, reducing sugars reduce picric acid (yellow solution) to picramic acid (mahogany red solution). As shown on the table, all sugars except sucrose, starch, and glycogen yielded mahogany red solution. Positive result for Picric acid test indicates the presence of reducing sugars.

C6H2OH(NO2)3
picric acid

C6H2OHNH2(NO2)2
picramic acid