Janovsky Reaction

J. V. Janovsky, L. Erb, Ber. 19, 2155 (1886).

Reaction of aldehydes and ketones containing α-methylene groups with m-dinitrobenzenes in the presence of a strong base resulting in the formation of an intense purple coloration, used for the detection of carbonyl compounds:

Reviews: Akatsuka, J. Pharm. Soc. Japan 80, 389 (1960); Foster, Mackie, Tetrahedron 18, 1131 (1962); Pollitt, Saunders, J. Chem. Soc. 1965, 4615; M. Kimura et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. Japan 17, 531 (1969); K. Kohashi et al., ibid. 25, 50 (1977). Applications: R. G. Sutherland et al., Can. J. Chem. 64, 2031 (1986); J. D. Artiss et al., Microchem. J. 65, 277 (2000). Cf. Zimmermann Reaction.