Fehling's Solution A:
- Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4*5H2O): This is the source of copper ions, which are essential for the reaction to occur.
Fehling's Solution B:
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH): Provides the alkaline conditions necessary for the reaction.
- Potassium sodium tartrate (KNaC4H4O6*4H2O or Rochelle salt): This compound helps to dissolve and maintain the copper ions in the solution.
When equal volumes of Fehling's Solution A and Solution B are mixed, a deep blue solution forms. This solution contains the copper ions complexed with tartrate ions, which makes them more stable and reactive.
Note: The actual concentration of these components may vary depending on the specific protocol or manufacturer of the Fehling's reagent.