Marquis reagent
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The Marquis reagent is used as a simple spot-test to identify alkaloids. It is composed of a mixture of formaldehyde and concentrated sulfuric acid which is dripped onto the substance being tested. Different alkaloids produce different colour reactions. Also some times methanol is added to slow down the reaction process to observe the change in colour 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 cocaine, methadone, hallucinogens, amphetamines and opiates.
The test is performed by scraping off a small amount of the substance and adding a drop of the reagant (which is initially clear). 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:
| Substance | Color | Time (s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDMA | black | 0-5 | may have dark purple tint |
| Amphetamine | orange | 0-5 | may have a brown tint |
| 2CB | 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 |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Shulgin on the Test
- Color Test Reagents/Kits for Preliminary Identification of Drugs Of Abuse, National Institute of Justice Standard – 0604.01
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