MadSci Network: Chemistry |
I believe the tests you can utilize is either polarization or Lane and Eynon. Polarization - Polarized Light: Ordinary light such as sunlight is an electromagnetic wave, which vibrates in an infinite number of planes. Some optical devices cause the light beam to vibrate in only one plane. This light is then said to be polarized. Sugars have the power to rotate the plane of polarization. And this angle which the plane of polarization is rotated can be measured. A Saccharimeter or polarimeter are such instruments. The easiest method I found would be in the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA). Lane and Eynon: This method utilizes the concept that Reducing Sugars (glucose and fructose) have the ability to reduce copper in the cupric state to cuprous oxide. Under specified conditions, the amount of copper that is reduced is in proportion to the quantity of the reducing sugars present. This method is a titration which allows the scientist to observe a color change when all of the copper has been reduced. The ICUMSA book also has a procedure for the determination of sugar via the Lane and Eynon method.
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