Verification of urea as biuret
Chemicals needed
Fehling solution
urea
sodium carbonate (or hydrate) Xi R 36 S (2)-22-26
sodium hydroxide solution 7.5% C R 35 S (1/2)-26-37/39-45
Equipment needed
test tube
burner (preferably alcohol-)
Test procedure
- Ventilation recommended. Safety goggles!
- A couple of spatula-tipfuls of urea (one can readily use the spherical form) and two spatula-tipfuls of sodium carbonate into a test tube.
- Heat the mixture until it melts, gas strongly develops, the test tube is misted over with a white coating, and the smell of ammonia is present.
- Let cool and then after the addition of about 2 ml of diluted sodium hydroxide heat again until the residue has dissolved.
- Add a couple of drops of Fehling solution. A red-violet coloration, usually rather weak, occurs.
Disposal
- The diluted solution can be disposed of into the drainage.
Elucidation
Through the thermic decomposition of urea biuret, inter alia, is formed. Together with Fehling solution this results in the characteristic coloration (biuret reaction).
Photos
Thermic decomposition of urea
Coloration due to biuret reaction
Literature
Derived from Versuch 1853 S, "Umwandlung des Harnstoffs beim Erhitzen", p. 323, [2]