The colour is due to the hydroxyl group (-OH) of cholesterol reacting with the reagents and increasing the conjugation of the un-saturation in the adjacent fused ring. Since this test uses acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid as reagents, caution must be exercised so as not to receive severe burns.
The color arises from the hydroxyl group (-OH) of cholesterol reacting with the reagents, increasing the conjugation of unsaturation in the adjacent fused ring. Because this test utilizes acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid as reagents, one must exercise caution to prevent severe burns.