HISTORY OF DIPHENYLAMINE TEST

FOR DEOXYRIBOSE

Dische Diphenylamine Test For DNA

DNA can be identified chemically with the Dische diphenylamine test. Acidic
conditions convert deoxyribose to a molecule that binds with diphenylamine to form a
blue complex. The intensity of the blue color is proportional to the concentration of
DNA. The Dische’s Test will detect the deoxyribose of DNA and will not interact with
the ribose in RNA. The amount of blue corresponds to the amount of DNA in solution.

For example, in the identification of DNA, DNA can be identified chemically with the dische
diphenylamine test. One major difference between DNA and RNA is their sugar: DNA contains
deoxyribose, whereas RNA contains ribose. This is what is diphenylamine test for deoxyribose for. In
this process, the reaction between the Dische reagent and 2-deoxypentose results in the development of
a blue color. The reaction depends on the conversion of the pentose to w-hydroxylaevulinic aldehyde which
then reacts with diphenylamine to give a a blue colored complex. The intensity of the blue color is
proportional to the concentration of DNA. Dische reagent does not react with the ribose sugar in RNA and
does not form a blue-colored complex. Dische diphenylamine test -- A chemical test utilized to detect
the presence of DNA in a substance.

Diphenylamine test

Diphenylamine may be used as a wet chemical testfor the presence of the nitrate ion. In this test, a
solution of diphenylamine and ammonium chloride in sulfuric acid is used. In the presence of
nitrates, diphenylamine is oxidized, giving a blue coloration.
Teodoro Gonzalez of the Criminal Identification laboratory in Mexico City first applied
this test in the United States in 1933. The test was performed by covering a suspect's
hand with a layer of paraffin, which, after cooling, could be broken off and the paraffin
treated with an acid solution of diphenylamine, a reagent used to detect the presence of
nitrates or nitrites. A positive result would then be read as blue flecks on the wax.
Although this did provide positive results for those who fired a gun, it also gave
positive results for others who may have come in contact with nitrates or nitrites from
other sources, substances common in acid rain, fertilizers, waste water, and sewer lines
(112).

Despite its flaws, the paraffin test was quickly adopted by law enforcement agencies
and its use became widespread in just a few years. The first reported case admitting
evidence based on a paraffin test was decided in 1936 (113). This case then set a
precedent that countless other cases followed (114).