BIOCHEMISTRY - Main Regulators and Biological Fluids of the Human Body - 2016

2. HORMONES

2.12. Practical Part. Study of Qualitative Reactions for Hormones

2.12.2. Qualitative Reactions for Hormones Derived from Amino Acids

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a hormone of The adrenal medulla. Chemically, epinephrine is a pyrocatechol derivative:

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Epinephrine increases metabolic rate and has a pronounced effect on Carbohydrate METABOLISM; its administration causes hyperglycemia and glucosuria due to enhanced Glycogenolysis. The oxidation of epinephrine yields adrenochrome.

Experiment 4. Reaction with Iron (III) Chloride

This method is based on the ability of the pyrocatechol group of epinephrine to form an emerald-green complex compound with iron (III) chloride - FеСI₃.

Add 10 drops of a 0.1% epinephrine solution to a test tube, followed by 1 drop of a 1% FеСI₃ solution. Observe the appearance of the characteristic coloration. Add 1 drop of concentrated ammonia solution (NН₄ОН), and the color of the solution turns red, and then brown.

Record your observations in the report. Conclude whether the corresponding functional group is present in the epinephrine molecule.

Experiment 5. Diazo Reaction

The method is based on the ability of epinephrine to form a red compound with diazobenzenesulfonic acid.

To prepare diazobenzenesulfonic acid, place 3 drops of a 1% sulfanilic acid solution (H₂NC₆H₄SO₃H) and 3 drops of a 5% sodium nitrite solution (NaNO₂) into a test tube and mix by shaking.

Then, add 5 drops of a 0.1% epinephrine solution and 3 drops of a 10% sodium carbonate solution (Nа₂CО₃) to the test tube. Mix and observe the liquid turn red.

Record your observations in the report. Conclude regarding the ability of epinephrine to react with diazobenzenesulfonic acid.