DNSA

Quantitative test for reducing sugars

On boiling with reducing sugars 3,5 dinitrosalycylic acid (DNSA) reagent changes from yellow to red.

Small volumes of the reagent and test sample are boiled for 5-10 minutes, then diluted with water and the colour read using a colorimeter.

With the Mystrica colorimeter concentrations of reducing sugar down to below 0.5mM, (90µg of glucose/cm3), can be detected using this test.

Safety

eye-protection WEAR EYE PROTECTION
TAKE CARE WITH BOILING WATER

DNSA reagent contains 0.4M NaOH
caution
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Video

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Methods

DNSA reagent

To prepare 100cm3 of stock solution:

  • dissolve 1.0g of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid in 50 ml of water.
  • slowly add 30g sodium potassium tartrate tetrahydrate, (KNaC4H4O6ยท4H2O)
  • Add 20cm3 of 2N NaOH.
  • corrosive
  • Dilute to a final volume of 100cm3 with water.
  • Label the stock solution 'IRRITANT'
  • caution

Method

  • Add 0.3cm3 of the sample to be tested to 0.3cm3 of DNSA reagent in a test tube.
  • Stand the test tube in boiling water for 5 -10 minutes.
  • Add 3cm3 of water and read absorbance with green light.

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Results

    DNSA
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