Lecithin

Tests on Lecithin
Acrolein Test
Acrolein Test
- used to test for the presence of glycerol
- Glycerol decomposes slowly at a boiling
temperature.
- rate of decomposition is greatly accelerated when
a dehydrating agent such as KHSO4 was added.
- Acrolein, an aldehyde is easily recognized by its
penetrating and irritating odor.

Acrolein Test

CH
2
OH CH
2


CH OH CH + 2H
2
O

CH
2
OH CHO

Glycerol Acrolein
Heat

KHSO
4

IODINE ABSORPTION
LECITHIN TEST RESULT
in IODINE ABSORPTION
- test for unsaturated fatty acids that would cause
decolorization of the solution.
- free iodine reacts with fat very slowly, it is usually
combined with other substances to facilitate the
reaction.
- a change in color will indicate that it contains
unsaturated fatty acids which reacted to iodine through
halogenation reaction.
Function of Lecithin in the Body
Precursor of Acetylcholine
A major component in lung surfactant