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Table 3 Qualitative estimation of lipid classes by specific reagents following separation by TLC [78]

From: Lipids detection and quantification in oleaginous microorganisms: an overview of the current state of the art

Lipid class

Reagent

Results

Free fatty acids

2′,7′-Dichlorofluorescein/ AlCl3/FeCl3

Appears as rose color after few minutes

Glycolipids

α-Naphthol/sulfuric acid

Yellow spots

Orcinol/sulfuric acid

Blue-purple spots

5-Hydroxy-1-tetralone in 80% sulfuric acid

Glycolipids give yellow spots easily distinguishable from the light blue spots of phospholipids

Sphingolipids

Sodium hypochlorite/benzidine reagent

Blue spots on white background

Phospholipids

Molybdic oxide/molybdenum

Blue spots on white background

Cholesterol and cholesteryl esters

Acidic ferric chloride

Red to violet spots