A chemical reaction used in testing for the production of acetyl methyl carbinol by various bacteria; potassium hydroxide is added to a 24-hour culture in a suitable medium and thoroughly mixed; the treated culture is exposed to air and is observed at intervals of 2, 12, and 24 hours; a positive reaction consists of the development of an eosin-like pink colour, due to the production of acetylmethylcarbinol, which in the presence of alkali and oxygen is oxidised to diacetyl.
(05 Mar 2000)