It is used primarily to test for the presence of aldehydes and ketones, as it reacts with them to form a yellow to orange precipitate.
Composition:
Brady's reagent contains 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) in alcohol (typically methanol or ethanol).
Reaction with Aldehydes/Ketones:
When the reagent is added to a sample containing an aldehyde or a ketone, it reacts with the carbonyl group (C=O) of the compound.
Formation of Hydrazone:
The reaction produces a yellow or orange precipitate of a hydrazone derivative, which indicates the presence of an aldehyde or ketone.