Molisch's test is a chemical test which is used to check for the presence of carbohydrates in a given analyte.Pentoses are dehydrated to furfural, while hexoses are dehydrated to hydroxy methyl furfural, then furfural reacts with a-naphthol to give violet colored product (purple ring).Molisch's test involves the addition of Molisch's reagent (a solution of a-naphthol in ethanol) to the analyte and the subsequent addition of a few drops of concentrated H2SO4 (sulphuric acid) to the mixture.An image detailing a positive result for Molisch's test is provided below.