Which Test Can Distinguish Between Monosaccharides and Disaccharides?
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6 min read
Over 90% of all reducing sugars are either monosaccharides or disaccharides. The best and most specific test that can distinguish between monosaccharides and disaccharides is Barfoed's test, which leverages the difference in their reducing strength. This chemical procedure uses a mildly acidic copper reagent to produce a red precipitate at different rates, allowing for differentiation based on reaction time.
