The main chemical in Benedict’s solution is the copper (II) ion (Cu2+). Reducing sugars - sugars that contain a free aldehyde or ketone group - will turn Benedict’s solution from blue to green or brick red depending on the amount of reducing sugar present. So the test is both a qualitative test for the presence of reducing sugars such as glucose and it can also be used to give a quantitative indication of the amount of reducing sugar present.
It is often necessary to test for glucose because it is perhaps the main monosaccharide used to give energy and is the main product when carbohydrates such as starch are broken down. In fact, because the test is semi-quantitative diabetics can use it to test their urine.
No comments:
Post a Comment