- Marquis reagent
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The Marquis reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify alkaloids as well as other compounds. It is composed of a mixture of formaldehyde and concentrated sulfuric acid, which is dripped onto the substance being tested. The United States Department of Justice method for producing the reagent is the addition of 100 mL of concentrated (95–98%) sulfuric acid to 5 mL of 40% formaldehyde.[1]:12 Different compounds produce different color reactions. Also, sometimes methanol is added to slow down the reaction process to observe the change in color better. Methanol does this by slowing down the polymerisation process.
It is the primary presumptive test used in Ecstasy testing kits. It can also be used to test for such substances as opiates (e.g. codeine, heroin), and phenethylamines (e.g. methamphetamine, amphetamine).
The test is performed by scraping off a small amount of the substance and adding a drop of the reagent (which is initially clear and colorless). The results are analyzed by viewing the color of the resulting mixture, and by the time taken for the change in color to become apparent:
Marquis reagent test analysis[2][3] Substance Color Time (s) Notes MDMA or MDA purple to black 0-5 may have dark purple tint Amphetamine or Methamphetamine orange to brown 0-5 may have a brown tint 2C-B orange to green 5-10 color may change from initial result DXM gray to black 15-30 initially no change; takes much longer to reach black than MDMA Final colors produced by Marquis Reagent with various substances[1]:3–6 Substance Color 2C-B - 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine Green-Yellow 2C-I - 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine Green-Yellow 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine (DOB) Olive Green - Yellow Aspirin Deep red Benzphetamine HCl Deep reddish brown Chlorpromazine HCl Deep purplish red Codeine Very dark purple d-Amphetamine HCl Strong reddish orange - Dark reddish brown d-Methamphetamine HCl Deep reddish orange - Dark reddish brown Diacetylmorphine HCl (Heroin) Deep purplish red Dimethoxy-meth HCl Moderate olive Doxepin HCl Blackish red Dristan Dark grayish red Exedrine Dark red LSD Olive black Mace Moderate yellow Methylenedioxyamphetamine HCl (MDA) Black Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine HCl (MDEA) Black Methylenedioxymethamphetamine HCl (MDMA) Black Methylone (M1/bk-MDMA/MDMC) Yellow Pethidine/Meperidine HCl Deep brown Mescaline HCl Strong orange Methadone HCl Light yellowish pink Methylphenidate HCl Moderate orange yellow Morphine monohydrate deep purplish red Opium Dark grayish reddish Brown Oxycodone HCl Pale violet Propoxyphene HCl Blackish purple Sugar Dark brown See also
References
- ^ a b "Color Test Reagents/Kits for Preliminary Identification of Drugs of Abuse" (PDF). Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program. July 2000. http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/183258.pdf. Retrieved 2011-07-24.
- ^ "Marquis Reagent Testing Kit (White Label)". Testing Kits. DanceSafe. http://dancesafe.org/products/marquis-reagent-testing-kit-white-label. Retrieved 2011-07-22.
- ^ "Adulterant Screening Kit Instructions". DanceSafe. http://dancesafe.org/health-and-safety/adulterant-screening-kit-instructionste-label. Retrieved 2011-07-24.
External links
- Shulgin on the Test
- Drug Testing Kit FAQ - Marquis reagent colors list, very comprehensive. Erowid.org
Categories:- Chemical tests
- Analytical reagents
- Chemistry stubs
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