Description
Borsche’s reagent, also known as Borsche’s reagent A and B, is a chemical solution used in the detection and quantification of aldehydes and ketones. It is composed of two separate solutions:
Borsche’s reagent A: This solution contains 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH) dissolved in ethanol or methanol. It acts as a reagent for the reaction with carbonyl compounds, forming a yellow to orange precipitate.
Borsche’s reagent B: This solution is composed of concentrated sulfuric acid. It is used to catalyze the reaction between 2,4-DNPH and carbonyl compounds, enhancing the formation of the colored precipitate.
When a sample containing an aldehyde or ketone is treated with Borsche’s reagent A and then B, the presence of the carbonyl group is indicated by the formation of a colored precipitate, which can be further analyzed or used for qualitative identification.