DETECTION OF BRAIN LIPIDS

1. Bromine Water Test

Purpose: The Bromine Water Test is done to determine the presence of phenols in a given sample. Principle Involved in the Test: Substitution Halogenation(Bromination) Reaction

EQUATION:

In this test, a tribrominated substituted product is obtained (2,4,6-tribromophenol). The said product is a white insoluble solid thus, it is a precipitate. The formation of the white precipitate signifies the formation of a brominated phenol which indicates a positive result.

Observation: After dropping some bromine water into the phenol solution, a white precipitate is formed. The white precipitate is a result of the reaction of phenol to bromine water which produces a 2,4,6-tribromophenol which is a white insoluble solid.

Sample equation using a sample that gave a positive result: Reaction of Phenol with nitric acid (Diluted and Concentrated):

Concentrated With concentrated nitric acid, more nitro groups substitute around the ring to give 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (old name: picric acid). Diluted Phenol reacts with dilute nitric acid at room temperature to give a mixture of 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol.

2. Ferric Chloride Test

Purpose: To determine the presence or absence of phenols. The OH (hydroxy group) which is attached directly to an aromatic nucleus (Benzene) is detected by the Ferric Chloride. Principle Involved in the Test: Substitution: Chlorination

EQUATION:

3C6H5OH + FeCl3 > Fe(C6H5O)3 + 3HCl

In a phenol solution, adding an Iron(III) chloride will trigger a substitution reaction that will make the phenols combine with ferric ion to form a colored complex. This will result in a dramatic purple, blue, red or green color as an indication of a positive result. Observation: After dropping some ferric chloride into the phenol solution, the solution turned into color purple. This is an indication that phenol is present in the sample

3. Millons Test
Purpose: Millons Test (Hg(NO3)2) is used to determine the presence of phenols (an alcohol consisting of an OH group attached to a benzene ring). Principle Involved in the Test: Substitution: Mercuration; and Complexation Millons test is usually used for protein detection but the test is not only specific for proteins for it also detects phenolic compounds.

HgNO3

+ Hg(NO3)2
(Millons reagent)

+ HNO3
(Nitric Acid)

(ortho-mercurinitrophenol)

Because the reagent contains metallic mercury and nitric acid, adding and heating it with phenol would make its nitric acid and mercury react with phenol to form a red precipitate or a red solution, which are both positive results. Observation: After dropping 5 drops of Millons reagent into the phenol solution, there is no visible result but after heating it in a water bath, the solution turned red in color.

STUDY QUESTION:
6. Phenol is no longer used as an antiseptic. Why? Since 1867, phenol is used an antiseptic because it can kill bacteria. This property of phenol was discovered by Joseph Lister after learning Louis Pasteurs research on bacteria. On the other hand, a concentrated solution of phenol is very corrosive and highly irritating to the skin. This is why it can burn healthy tissues and ingestion of the substance can be fatal. Because of its dangers, its use as an antiseptic has generally been replaced in hospitals.

SOURCES:
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/organicprops/phenol/ring.html http://www.colorado.edu/chem/genchem/demoman/o_demo.html http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/MILLON http://myweb.brooklyn.liu.edu/lawrence/che4x/e3alcohol.pdf. http://www.cerlabs.com/experiments/10875404480.pdf