Tollen's reaction for pentoses

Consists of heating the solution to be tested with concentrated hydrochloric acid and orcin. If pentose is present, the solution turns first reddish blue, then bluish green. The coloring matter formed is soluble in amyl alcohol, yielding a bluish green solution with a characteristic absorption spectrum. A similar test is one in which phloroglucin is used instead of orcin. The color of the solution as well as the ent. amyl alcohol is red, when pentose is prestoluene (tol'u-en). Syn.: toluol. Methyl benzene, a colorle liquid, CeHsCCIL), occurring in light coal tar oils, haying a benzene like odor; used as an antiseptic and in the manufacture of dyes.