Question

what is the difference between libermann's nitroso reaction and test

Answer 1

The Liebermann's nitroso reaction is the chemical transformation of secondary amines to N-nitrosamines. The Liebermann's nitroso test is the application of this reaction for identifying secondary amines through colorimetric analysis.

Answer 2

The Liebermann's nitroso reaction is the specific chemical transformation where secondary amines react with nitrous acid ($HONO$) to form N-nitrosamines ($R_2N-N=O$).

The Liebermann's nitroso test is the analytical procedure that employs this reaction, typically followed by treatment with phenol and concentrated sulfuric acid, to detect the presence of secondary amines through observable color changes (e.g., green to blue/violet).

Thus, the reaction is the chemical phenomenon, and the test is its practical, diagnostic application.