Adamkiewicz reaction

The Adamkiewicz reaction is part of a biochemical test used to detect the presence of the amino acid tryptophan in proteins. When concentrated sulfuric acid is combined with a solution of protein and glyoxylic acid, a red/purple colour is produced. It was named after its discoverer, Albert Wojciech Adamkiewicz. Pure sulfuric acid and a minimal amount of pure formaldehyde, along with an oxidizing agent introduced into the sulfuric acid, allow the reaction to proceed. Later studies clarified the reaction's dependence on glyoxylic acid and its specific interaction with the amino acid tryptophan. These findings also shed light on the underlying chemical mechanism.