Kovac's Reagent is used for Indole Test, particularly useful in the identification of E. coli.
Indole is tested for by a colorimetric reaction with Kovac's Reagent (p-dimethyl-amino-benzaldehyde). Indole reacts with the aldehyde present in Kovac’s Reagent to give a reddish-pink colour in the alcohol layer, which indicates a positive result. The alcohol layer extracts and concentrates the red colour complex.
Reagents/contents :
The Kovac's Reagent comprises of:
5% p-dimethyl-amino-benzaldehyde.
Appearance: Greenish yellow coloured clear solution.
