Color Reactions of Amino Acids
Description: The presence of amino acids can be detected using the reagent ninhydrin. Ninhydrin reacts with amino acids to give a blue-violet colored species. Certain amino acids can also be identified with specific color reagents. When histidine reacts with diazosulfanilic acid, a cherry red color is observed.
Source: Kristin Johnson
Year: 1999 Vol: N/A Page: N/A
Keywords: Amino acid, Ninhydrin, Histidine, Colored Species
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Flammability hazard
- Skin corrosion
- Eye irritation
- Corrosive to metals
Effectiveness: Average
- Results are observable with guidance
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Noticeable contrast between systems behavior
- Time to effects is low
- Primary effects are observed
Difficulty: Medium
- Use of reactive substances
- Handling of organic chemicals
- Procedures with intermediate steps
- Some careful manipulations required
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Absorbent materials on hand
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
- Avoid exposure to droplets, mists, or vapors
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry
Division: General, Biological Chemistry
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