To view disaccharides, a common approach is to use chemical analysis techniques such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC) or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These methods allow for the separation and identification of disaccharides based on their chemical properties and molecular weight. In TLC, a thin layer of a stationary phase is coated on a plate, and the disaccharides are applied as a mixture. The plate is then placed in a chamber with a solvent that moves up the plate, carrying the disaccharides with it. Different disaccharides will travel different distances based on their affinity for the stationary phase and the solvent, allowing for their separation and visualization under ultraviolet (UV) light or by using specific reagents that react with the disaccharides.

The use of TLC and HPLC is justified by the fact that disaccharides are complex molecules that can be challenging to isolate and identify using traditional methods. According to a study published in the Journal of Chromatography A, HPLC is particularly effective for the separation and identification of disaccharides due to its high resolution and sensitivity (Smith et al., 2018). Additionally, TLC is a cost-effective and rapid method that is widely used in research and quality control laboratories for the preliminary identification of disaccharides. Both techniques provide valuable information about the composition and purity of disaccharides, which is crucial for various applications in food science, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.