Question:

Given below are two statements pertaining to chemical analysis of ghee.
Statement (I) : About 1-2 g molted ghee sample is taken and dissolved in 2-3 ml of hexane followed by addition of colour developing reagent consisting of water, sulphuric acid and nitric acid in the ratio of 20:6:1. The mixture is shaken vigorously and stand undisturbed to separate into two layers.
Statement (II) : Appearance of distinct orange colour in upper layer indicate presence of mineral oil.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

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This rapid test relies on the nitration and sulfonation of hydrocarbons present in mineral oil by the nitric and sulfuric acid reagent, which produces a distinctive orange color in the solvent layer.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Adulteration of ghee with cheap mineral oil (such as liquid paraffin) is a serious food safety concern.
Various chemical colorimetric tests have been developed to detect these petroleum-based adulterants.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate both statements regarding the mineral oil detection test:
- Statement (I): In this rapid test, a \(1-2\text{ g}\) sample of melted ghee is dissolved in a non-polar solvent (hexane).
A color-developing acid reagent containing water, concentrated sulfuric acid, and nitric acid (typically in a specific ratio like \(20:6:1\)) is added.
The mixture is shaken to ensure contact between the phases and allowed to stand. This statement accurately describes the test procedure.
- Statement (II): Mineral oils react with this acid mixture to form chromogenic compounds.
If mineral oil is present, a distinct orange or reddish-orange color develops in the upper organic (hexane) layer.
Pure, unadulterated ghee does not produce this color. Therefore, Statement (II) is also correct.
Both statements are chemically accurate and describe the standard protocol for detecting mineral oil in ghee.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
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