Liebermann Burchard test for cholesterol:

Liebermann Burchard test is a specific test for the detection of cholesterol.

Reagents:

• Cholesterol solution
• Acetic anhydride
• Concentrated sulphuric acid

Procedure:

• Take 1 ml of cholesterol solution in a dry test tube.
• Add 10 drops of acetic anhydride.
• Then add 2 drops of concentrated sulphuric acid.
• Mix well.

Observations:

The solution becomes red which rapidly changes to violet, then to deep blue and finally, on standing, it changes to deep bluish green colour.

Precautions:

• Before starting the experiment wash the apparatus cleanly.
• Carefully handle the sulphuric acid and all others chemicals in the lab.