alpha-naphthol test
Noun: A biochemical test used as an indicator for the presence of carbohydrates in a solution. The test is positive if a violet-colored ring forms when the sample reacts with alpha-naphthol in the presence of sulfuric acid.
The term is used specifically in biochemistry and laboratory science to describe a standard procedure for detecting carbohydrates. - The alpha-naphthol test is a common method for preliminary carbohydrate screening. - A positive alpha-naphthol test confirms the presence of sugars like glucose or fructose.
- In the lab, we performed the alpha-naphthol test on the unknown solution.
- The formation of a violet ring in the alpha-naphthol test indicated the sample contained reducing sugars.
- A negative alpha-naphthol test result suggests the absence of detectable carbohydrates.
- "to give a positive/negative alpha-naphthol test": This phrasing is used to report the outcome of the procedure.
- The extract gave a positive alpha-naphthol test, so we proceeded with further analysis.
- Molisch's test: This is a synonym, as the alpha-naphthol test is a key component of the broader Molisch's test for carbohydrates.
- Carbohydrate test: A general term for any test detecting sugars and starches.
- Molisch's test (specific context)
- Carbohydrate detection test (general)
This term refers exclusively to a specific laboratory procedure. It is not used in general or figurative language. The core meaning is tied to the chemical reaction involving alpha-naphthol and sulfuric acid to produce a characteristic violet color in the presence of carbohydrates.
- 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