- Molisch test
- Mo·lisch test 'mō-lish- n a test for carbohydrate (as sugar) in which a reddish violet color is formed by reaction with alpha-naphthol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid called also Molisch reactionMolisch Hans (1856-1937)German botanist. Molisch's extensive studies of plants embraced several disciplines: comparative anatomy, morphology, physiology, and microchemistry. He devised his test for carbohydrate in 1886.
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1. (for glucose in urine) add 2 mL of urine, 2 drops of a 15 per cent solution of thymol, and an equal volume of strong sulfuric acid; a deep red color results. Called also Molisch reaction. 2. (for glucose in urine) to 1 mL of urine add 2 or 3 drops of a 5 per cent solution of α-naphthol in alcohol, then add 2 mL of strong sulfuric acid; a deep violet color is produced, and a violet precipitate follows if water is added. 3. (for proteins) the substance is treated with a 15 per cent alcoholic solution of α-naphthol and then with concentrated sulfuric acid; a violet color is formed if proteins are present. Called also Molisch reaction; defs. 2 and 3 called also alpha-naphthol reaction.
Medical dictionary. 2011.