alpha-naphthol test

Friendly

Sure! Let's break down the term "alpha-naphthol test" in a way that is easy to understand.

Definition

The alpha-naphthol test is a scientific method used to check if carbohydrates (like sugars) are present in a solution (a liquid mixture). When you add a chemical called alpha-naphthol and sulfuric acid to the solution, and if carbohydrates are there, a violet (purple) ring forms. This color change indicates that carbohydrates are present.

Usage Instructions

1. Prepare your solution that you want to test for carbohydrates.
2. Add a few drops of alpha-naphthol to the solution.
3. Carefully add sulfuric acid to the mixture.
4. Observe the solution. If you see a violet ring, it means carbohydrates are present.

Example

• In a laboratory, a scientist performed an alpha-naphthol test on the sugar solution. When the violet ring appeared, it confirmed that carbohydrates were present.

Advanced Usage

In research and biochemistry, the alpha-naphthol test can be used alongside other tests to analyze the composition of substances. It's important in various fields, such as food science, to determine the sugar content in products.

Word Variants

• Alpha-naphthol: This is the main chemical used in the test.
• Carbohydrate: The type of substance being tested for.

Different Meanings

• The term "alpha-naphthol" can also refer to the chemical itself, which is used in various chemical reactions, not just in this specific test.

Synonyms

While "alpha-naphthol test" is a specific term, you might come across related terms like: - Carbohydrate test - Color reaction test (in a more general sense)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to the alpha-naphthol test since it is a technical term. However, in a lab context, you might hear phrases like: - "Run a test" (to perform an experiment) - "Test for" (to check for the presence of something)

Summary

The alpha-naphthol test is a useful method in biochemistry to detect carbohydrates in a solution through a color change.

Academic

Noun

1. biochemical indicator of the presence of carbohydrates in a solution; if carbohydrates are present a violet ring is formed by reaction with alpha-naphthol in the presence of sulfuric acid

Synonyms

• Molisch's test
• Molisch test
• Molisch reaction