Voges-Proskauer reaction

Vo·ges-Pros·kau·er re·ac·tion

(fō'gis-prăs-kow'ĕr), 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 color, due to the production of acetylmethylcarbinol, which in the presence of alkali and oxygen is oxidized to diacetyl.

Proskauer,

Bernhard, German bacteriologist, 1851-1915. Voges-Proskauer reaction - see under Voges

Voges,

Daniel Wilhelm Otto, German physician, 1867–. Voges-Proskauer reaction - a chemical reaction used in testing for the production of acetyl methyl carbinol by various bacteria.