The introduction of bromine atoms into the molecule of anO-hydroxycarbonyl compound does not invariably result in absence of fluorescence effects on the addition of boric acid.

The fluorescence test for theO-hydroxy-carbonyl group is also applicable in the case of brominated compounds but as with the bromine-free compounds a negative result does not necessarily mean absence ofO-hydroxycarbonyl group. Negative results are obtained more often when bromine is present than in its absence.