How to tell the difference between an ionic and molecular compound?

How can you tell the difference between a salt and a sugar compound in chemistry?

• Im taking the chemistry regents today and i dont understand how to tell the difference between a salt and sugar compound. Help?

• Answer:

  salts always ionise in solution. You could prepare a solution and test it for ionic radicals. A sugar will answer a test called Molisch's test. Molisch test: Prepare the solution of the substance. To it add α-naphthol dissolved in ethanol . After mixing, add a small amount of concentrated sulfuric acid slowly down the sides of the sloping test-tube, without mixing, to form a bottom layer. A positive reaction is indicated by appearance of a purple ring at the interface between the acid and test layers. This confirms the presence of sugar P.S: it is wise not to taste the given substance as certain salts can be poisonous.