Rideal walker test principle procedure

The Rideal Walker test is a chemical test used to detect the presence of amines (organic compounds derived from ammonia) in a sample.

Rideal walker test principle

The principle of the Rideal-Walker test relies on the unique and strong odor of the isocyanides produced during the reaction with amines.

This test is a qualitative method for identifying the presence of amines in a sample based on olfactory (smell) detection.

Materials and Reagents for rideal walker test

Reagents for rideal walker test are

1. Sample containing the suspected amine
2. Chloroform (CHCl3)
3. Sodium hypobromite (NaOBr) solution
4. A test tube
5. A stopper for the test tube
6. A source of gentle heat (e.g., water bath)
7. A source of fume extraction

Rideal walker test procedure

Here’s the Rideal walker test procedure for conducting in microbiology laboratory.

• Take a clean and dry test tube.
• Add a small amount of your sample (the substance you suspect contains an amine) to the test tube. The amount of sample can vary but should be a small quantity.
• Add an equal volume of chloroform (CHCl3) to the test tube. The chloroform will help in the conversion of the amine to isocyanides.
• Carefully add a small amount of sodium hypobromite (NaOBr) solution to the test tube. Use caution when handling sodium hypobromite, as it can be a hazardous chemical.

• Place a stopper on the test tube to seal it.
• Gently heat the test tube. This can be done by immersing the test tube in a water bath or heating it with a gentle flame. Do not heat it too vigorously.
• As the reaction occurs, the amine in the sample will react with chloroform and sodium hypobromite, producing isocyanides. These isocyanides have a strong and unpleasant odor.
• Carefully unstopper the test tube and waft the fumes that escape towards your nose.
• If you detect the foul odor of isocyanides, it indicates the presence of an amine in the sample.
• Dispose of the contents safely, as isocyanides can be hazardous.

Here’s the video of rideal Walker test procedure

NOTE: The Rideal-Walker test is a qualitative test based on odor detection, and it’s important to handle the reagents and the reaction products with care, as some of them may be harmful.