Folin–Ciocalteu reagent

Folin–Ciocalteu reagent (also known as Folin's phenol reagent or Folin–Denis reagent) is a mixture of phosphomolybdic acid and phosphotungstic acid. It is commonly used in the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, a method for determining the level of polyphenols, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, in a sample.

History

The Folin–Ciocalteu reagent was first developed by Otto Folin, a Swedish-American biochemist, and Vintilă Ciocâlteu, a Romanian physician and biochemist, in the early 20th century. The reagent was initially used to measure proteins in biological samples, but its use has since expanded to include the measurement of polyphenols and other substances.

Composition

The Folin–Ciocalteu reagent is a mixture of phosphomolybdic and phosphotungstic acids. These acids are reduced in an alkaline solution to form a blue complex, which can be measured spectrophotometrically.

Use

The primary use of the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent is in the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, a colorimetric method for determining the level of polyphenols in a sample. The reagent reacts with the phenolic compounds to form a blue complex, the intensity of which can be measured to determine the concentration of polyphenols.

Safety

The Folin–Ciocalteu reagent is corrosive and can cause burns and eye damage. It should be handled with care and appropriate safety measures should be taken when using it.

See also

• Folin-Ciocalteu assay
• Phenolic compounds
• Otto Folin
• Vintilă Ciocâlteu