A Chemical Study of the Manoilov Test for the Differentiation of the Sexes

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Abstract
In the Manoilov reaction it is unnecessary to add an enzyme extract such as papain. A protein material must, however, be added if the solution does not already contain it. The addition of papain in the original Manoilov reaction appears to provide the necessary protein. Pararosaniline, the simplest of the triphenylmethane series of dyes to which dahlia and methyl green belong, is as satisfactory as the more complex members of the series. With substances which do not form precipitates on the addition of ferric chloride it was found that paraleucaniline, the reduction product of pararosaniline, and ferric chloride alone give the same results as the Manoilov reaction. With solutions of blood and extracts of leaves it is necessary to use permanganate and then, in order to reduce the excess permanganate, a reducing agent such as thiosinamine must be added. Other substances which will reduce permanganate can be used in place of thiosinamine; sodium thiosulphate was found to be a satisfactory substitute. The probable chemical mechanism of the Manoilov test is discussed, and the procedure simplified. Cases of reverse reaction are recorded.

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