Vanillin-Hydrochloric Acid as a Histochemical Test for Tannin

Abstract

Condensed tannin (leucoanthocyanins and catechins) can be demonstrated in fresh plant sections with saturated alcoholic vanillin followed by addition of concentrated HCl. Bright red vanillin-tannin condensates are formed immediately. Preparations may then be made permanent by mounting in a 1:1 mixture of Hoyer's medium and concentrated HCl. Some fading and loss of tannin occurs. The phloroglucinol-HCl test for lignin can also be made permanent with this acidic mountant.