The reactivity of glucose in aqueous alkaline picrate was investigated by spectrophotometry and polarography at 25 degrees C in 0.51 mol/l sodium hydroxide. Thin-layer chromatography and infrared spectroscopy studies have conclusively identified the presence of picramic acid in 5:1 and 10:1 glucose picrate test solutions incubated at 25 degrees C. The polarographic data of an alkaline picrate blank with a concentration of 0.284 mmol/l, show three well-defined nitro group reduction waves with approximate half-wave potentials of -0.62 V, -0.78 V, and -0.93 V and a fourth broad wave appearing near -1.31 V versus a saturated calomel electrode. The addition of glucose to alkaline picrate resulted in a decreased diffusion current for reduction waves 1-3, with little change in reduction wave 4. The reactivity of test solutions containing glucose:picrate in 1:1, 2:1, 5:1 and 10:1 molar ratios was investigated at varied time intervals between 10 and 180 minutes. The absorption spectra of a 10:1 glucose:picrate solution shifted from 356 nm to 375 nm and a broad tailing shoulder absorbance formed in the 450-600 nm region. An orange coloured minor product, separated by thin-layer chromatography, was observed to fluoresce. The maximum excitation and emission wavelengths were 318 nm and 545 nm, respectively. A major, red-coloured product was isolated and identified as picramic acid by infrared spectroscopy. For 10:1 glucose:picrate test solutions incubated at 25 degrees C, picramic acid formed within 10 minutes. Within the first minute, the colour was observed to change from yellow to orange and then to red.