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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.

Molisch's test is a chemical test which is used to check for the presence of carbohydrates in a given analyte. This test is named after Czech-Austrian botanist Hans Molisch, who is credited with its discovery. 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. 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).

The formation of a purple or a purplish-red ring at the point of contact between the H₂SO₄ and the analyte Molisch's reagent mixture confirms the presence of carbohydrates in the analyte. An image detailing a positive result for Molisch's test is provided below.