What are the tests used to identify lipids?

1 Answer
Jun 7, 2018

Emulsion test. Or rub with a paper or tissue...

Explanation:

Emulsion Test:
You will shake the lipid (it should be crushed or in liquid form) with ethanol and this should give a clear solution. This is because lipids are hydrophobic and are thus soluble in non-polar solvents, like alcohol.

After that, the solution (ethanol+lipid) will be transferred to water. A milky white suspension should be observed.
![http://biology-igcse.weebly.com/-food-test-3http://---emulsion-ethanol-test-for-fats.html](https://useruploads.socratic.org/bcS31pzQT1WeLiU0ahSF_1937797_orig.png)

Rub with Paper:
If you rub it with paper or tissue, it might give translucent spots.
![http://slideplayer.com/slide/9356326/](useruploads.socratic.org)