Question

How can lipids be distinguished from sugars?

Answer 1

Do the test for fats (lipids).

Explanation:

To test for fats in a solution, you can do the ethanol emulsion test.

First, add some ethanol `(C_2H_5OH)` into the solution and shake it. Then, roughly add the same amount of water `(H_2O)`, and see the observations.

If nothing happens, then the test for fats is negative, but if a cloudy white emulsion happens at the top, then the test is positive, and fats are present.

You can do the same procedure for solids, but make sure to crush the item thoroughly into small pieces, which allows the ethanol to go in.

Alternatively, you might want to watch a video about the procedure:

Source:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z8wsgk7/revision/6