S.No

Test

Observation

Inferences

1

Kellar–Killiani
Test:

The glycosides dissolved in glacial acetic acid
containing a traces of FeCl3, add the same amount of FeCl3 dissolved in conc. H2SO4 along the side of
the test tube.

A reddish brown colour changing to

bluish green colour appear at the
junction of two reagents within 2–5 mins spreading slowly into the acetic acid layer.

For α–deoxy sugars

(Digitoxose)

2

Legal test:

Few mg of the glycosides (Scillaren)

Is dissolved in a
few drops of pyridine. To this add
a drop of sodium nitroprusside solution (2%) and a
drop of NaOH (20%)

Appearance of pink or deep red

colour

Cardiac Glycosides

present

3.

Baljet test:

The aglycone portion of the glycosides is mixed
with Baljet reagents.

[Baljet reagents: Aqu. Solution of picric acid (1%)
and NaOH (10%), both are mixed immediately before used]

Appearance of Yellow to orange

colour

Cardiac Glycosides

present

4

Kedde test:

A solution of glycosides is treated
with small
amount of Kedde reagents

[Kedde reagents: Mix
equal volume of a
2% solution of 3, 5, dinitrobenzoic acid in methanol

and 7.5% aqu. Solution of KOH]

Development of blue or violet

colour, which fades out in 1–2
hours.

Cardenolides

and

Bufadienolides