Tag: Laboratory test

The Seliwanoff test is a qualitative chemical test used since the 19th century to differentiate ketose sugars from aldose sugars. It is particularly effective at distinguishing fructose, a ketose, from glucose, an aldose, based on their distinct reaction times and color changes with the Seliwanoff's reagent.

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.