Abstract
Qualitative tests for the determination of carbohydrates in the given sample
are a crucial part of before getting into major analytical procedures. Every mono-,
oligo-, and poly-saccharide vary depending upon the number of carbohydrate molecule
present in it as well as changes in the side chains. Thus, every carbohydrate molecule
has distinct functions and properties. Depending upon these physio-chemical properties
of the carbohydrates, they respond to certain specific chemical reactions under certain
conditions. Only mono- and dis-saccharides respond to the solubility test as they are
soluble in water at room temperature. The Molisch test is only for the determination of
the presence of carbohydrate, not depending on the types of it. The iodine test gives a
result for polysaccharides. Whereas Fehling, Benedict and Osazone tests distinguish
between reducing and non-reducing sugars. The Bradford test differentiates between
mono- and di-saccharide-reducing sugars. Seliwanoff test is only for sucrose which is a
non-reducing sugar. Bial’s test is to determine the presence of pentose sugars.