Marquis reagent

Last updated

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. Methanol may be added to slow down the reaction process to allow better observation of the colour change.[ citation needed ]

Contents

History

Marquis reagent was first discovered in 1896 [2] and described by the Russian (Estonian) pharmacologist, Eduard Markus (1871–1944) (Russian : Эдуард Маркус) [3] in his magister dissertation in 1896; [4] and named after him, [5] and was tested for the first time at the University of Dorpat. The reagent should be stored in the freezer for maximum shelf life. [6]

The above photo shows the positive results of the number 2 Marquis reagent presumptive drug test when used with a sample of opium. Marquis Reagent.jpg
The above photo shows the positive results of the number 2 Marquis reagent presumptive drug test when used with a sample of opium.

It is the primary presumptive test used in Ecstasy reagent testing kits. It can also be used to test for such substances as opiates (e.g. codeine, heroin), and phenethylamines (e.g. 2C-B, mescaline).

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:

Results

Reagent test results develop very quickly and due to reactions with moisture and oxygen in air, any changes after the first 60 seconds should be discarded. [7]

Marquis reagent test analysis
SubstanceColorTime (s)Notes
MDMA or MDA purple to black0–5May have dark purple tint
Amphetamine, or methamphetamine orange to brown0–5May have a brown tint
2C-B yellow to green5–10Color may change from initial result [7]
DXM gray to black15–30Initially no change; takes much longer to reach black than MDMA
Final colors produced by Marquis Reagent with various substances [1] : 3–6  [8]
SubstanceColor
βk-2C-B Bright orange 30min
2C-B Green-yellow 30min
2C-I Green-yellow 30min
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine (DOB)Olive green – yellow
2-FMA Rapidly fizzes and dissolves. Colourless/light yellow[ citation needed ]
25I-NBOMe Orange[ citation needed ]
25C-NBOMe Clear, Transparent[ citation needed ]
25B-NBOMe Dark green[ citation needed ]
4F-MPH Transparent, no reaction[ citation needed ]
5-EAPB Purple to black[ citation needed ]
5-MeO-MiPT Clear/light brown [9]
Aspirin Pink > deep red [10] [11] [12]
Adrafinil Deep reddish orange – dark reddish brown[ citation needed ]
Benzphetamine Deep reddish brown
Benzylpiperazine(BZP)Clear (fizzes)
Buprenorphine Pinkish violet
Butylone Yellow [8]
Chlorpromazine Deep purplish red
Codeine Very dark purple
Caffeine Transparent, no change
Cocaine Transparent, no change
d-Amphetamine Strong reddish orange – dark reddish brown
d-Methamphetamine Deep reddish orange – dark reddish brown
Diacetylmorphine (Heroin)Deep purplish red
Dimethoxy-4-amylamphetamine (DMAA)No color change (fizzes)
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)Orange
Diphenhydramine (DPH)Yellow/orange > brown [13]
Dimethoxymethamphetamine HCL (DMMA)Moderate olive
Doxepin Blackish red
DristanDark grayish red
Exedrine Dark red
LSD Clear (no reaction), charring of paper may occur [14]
Methoxetamine Slow pink [8]
3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)Dark purple – black
Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine (MDEA)Dark purple – black
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)Dark purple – black
Methylenedioxypropylamphetamine (MDPR)Dark purple – black
Methylone (M1/bk-MDMA/MDMC)Yellow
Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)Yellow
Pethidine/Meperidine Deep brown
Mescaline Strong orange
Methadone Light yellowish pink
Methylphenidate Moderate orange yellow
Methylene Blue Dark green
Modafinil Yellow/orange – brown [15]
Morphine Deep purplish red
Opium Dark grayish reddish brown
Oxycodone Pale violet
Propoxyphene Blackish purple
Sugar Dark brown

Mechanism

The colour change from morphine is proposed to be a result of two molecules of morphine and two molecules of formaldehyde condensing to the dimeric product which is protonated to the oxocarbenium salt. [16]

See also

Related Research Articles

A drug test is a technical analysis of a biological specimen, for example urine, hair, blood, breath, sweat, or oral fluid/saliva—to determine the presence or absence of specified parent drugs or their metabolites. Major applications of drug testing include detection of the presence of performance enhancing steroids in sport, employers and parole/probation officers screening for drugs prohibited by law and police officers testing for the presence and concentration of alcohol (ethanol) in the blood commonly referred to as BAC. BAC tests are typically administered via a breathalyzer while urinalysis is used for the vast majority of drug testing in sports and the workplace. Numerous other methods with varying degrees of accuracy, sensitivity, and detection periods exist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forensic toxicology</span> Use of toxicology for investigations

Forensic toxicology is a multidisciplinary field that combines the principles of toxicology with expertise in disciplines such as analytical chemistry, pharmacology and clinical chemistry to aid medical or legal investigation of death, poisoning, and drug use. The paramount focus for forensic toxicology is not the legal implications of the toxicological investigation or the methodologies employed, but rather the acquisition and accurate interpretation of results. Toxicological analyses can encompass a wide array of samples. In the course of an investigation, a forensic toxicologist must consider the context of an investigation, in particular any physical symptoms recorded, and any evidence collected at a crime scene that may narrow the search, such as pill bottles, powders, trace residue, and any available chemicals. Armed with this contextual information and samples to examine, the forensic toxicologist is tasked with identifying the specific toxic substances present, quantifying their concentrations, and assessing their likely impact on the individual involved.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4-Fluoroamphetamine</span> Psychoactive research chemical

4-Fluoroamphetamine, also known as para-fluoroamphetamine (PFA) is a psychoactive research chemical of the phenethylamine and substituted amphetamine chemical classes. It produces stimulant and entactogenic effects. As a recreational drug, 4-FA is sometimes sold along with related compounds such as 2-fluoroamphetamine and 4-fluoromethamphetamine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kastle–Meyer test</span> Blood test utilizing phenolphthalein

The Kastle–Meyer test is a presumptive blood test, first described in 1903, in which the chemical indicator phenolphthalein is used to detect the possible presence of hemoglobin. It relies on the peroxidase-like activity of hemoglobin in blood to catalyze the oxidation of phenolphthalin into phenolphthalein, which is visible as a bright pink color. The Kastle–Meyer test is a form of catalytic blood test, one of the two main classes of forensic tests commonly employed by crime labs in the chemical identification of blood. The other class of tests used for this purpose are microcrystal tests, such as the Teichmann crystal test and the Takayama crystal test.

Lacing or cutting, in drug culture, refer to the act of using a substance to adulterate substances independent of the reason. The resulting substance is laced or cut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reagent testing</span> Tests for authentication of psychoactive drugs, and detection of adulterants

Reagent testing is one of the processes used to identify substances contained within a pill, usually illicit substances. With the increased prevalence of drugs being available in their pure forms, the terms "drug checking" or "pill testing" may also be used, although these terms usually refer to testing with a wider variety of techniques covered by drug checking.

Presumptive tests, in medical and forensic science, analyze a sample and establish one of the following:

  1. The sample is definitely not a certain substance.
  2. The sample probably is the substance.

Ehrlich's reagent or Ehrlich reagent is a reagent containing p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) and thus can act as an indicator to presumptively identify indoles and urobilinogen. Several Ehrlich tests use the reagent in a medical test; some are drug tests and others contribute to diagnosis of various diseases or adverse drug reactions. It is named after Nobel Prize winner Paul Ehrlich who used it to distinguish typhoid from simple diarrhoea.

Forensic serology is the detection, identification, classification, and study of various bodily fluids such as blood, semen, saliva, and urine, and their relationship to a crime scene. A forensic serologist may also be involved in DNA analysis and bloodstain pattern analysis. Serology testing begins with presumptive tests which gives the analyst an indication that a specific bodily fluid may be present, but cannot completely confirm its presence. Following the presumptive tests, confirmatory tests are done on the same sample to confirm what the unknown substance actually is.

The Liebermann reagent named after Hungarian chemist Leo Liebermann (1852-1926) is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify alkaloids as well as other compounds. It is composed of a mixture of potassium nitrite and concentrated sulfuric acid. 1 g of potassium nitrite is used for every 10 mL of sulfuric acid. Potassium nitrite may also be substituted by sodium nitrite. It is used to test for cocaine, morphine, PMA and PMMA.

The Mecke reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify alkaloids as well as other compounds. It is composed of a mixture of selenous acid and concentrated sulfuric acid, which is dripped onto the substance being tested.

The Mandelin reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify alkaloids as well as other compounds. It is composed of a mixture of ammonium metavanadate and concentrated sulfuric acid. Its primary use is for the detection of ketamine and PMA Unlike the most common reagent test chemicals, it has a deep red colour that changes to yellow if there is no alkaloid, which occurs within about 48 hours of mixing.

Simon's reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify alkaloids as well as other compounds. It reacts with secondary amines like MDMA and methamphetamine to give a blue solution.

The Froehde reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify alkaloids, especially opioids, as well as other compounds. It is composed of a mixture of molybdic acid or a molybdate salt dissolved in hot, concentrated sulfuric acid, which is then dripped onto the substance being tested.

The Dille–Koppanyi reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify barbiturates. It is composed of a mixture of two solutions. Part A is 0.1 g of cobalt(II) acetate dihydrate dissolved in 100 ml of methanol mixed with 0.2 ml of glacial acetic acid. Part B made up of is 5% isopropylamine (v/v) in methanol. Two drops of A are dropped onto the substance followed by one drop of B and any change in colour is observed.

The Zwikker reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify barbiturates. It is composed of a mixture of two solutions. Part A is 0.5 g of copper (II) sulfate in 100 ml of distilled water. Part B consists of 5% pyridine (v/v) in chloroform. One drop of each is added to the substance to be tested and any change in colour is observed.

The Gallic acid reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify drug precursor chemicals. It is composed of a mixture of gallic acid and concentrated sulfuric acid.

The Zimmermann reagent is used as a simple spot-test used in chromatography to presumptively identify alkaloids, especially benzodiazepines, as well as other compounds. It is therefore used in drugs testing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chen-Kao reaction</span>

The Chen-Kao reaction is a chemical method for determining the presence of pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and similar phenylalkylamines. The reaction is used in spot tests and is also known as Chen-Kao test. The test is often used to distinguish ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, cathinone and methcathinone from amphetamine and methamphetamine, which do not react with Chen’s test reagent.

References

  1. 1 2 "Color Test Reagents/Kits for Preliminary Identification of Drugs of Abuse" (PDF). Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program. July 2000. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  2. ↑ Toxicology. Volume 2 : mechanisms and analytical methods — New York, New York; San Francisco, California : Academic Press, 1961 — p. 247.
  3. ↑ Каталог диссертаций Дерптского Университета с 1811 по 1914 гг. Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine // Ин-т экспериментальной медицины
  4. ↑ Markus, Eduard. Über den Verbleib des Morphin im tierischen Organismus. Magister Dissertation 1896, Jurjew, Arb. Der Pharm. Inst. zu Dorpat 15, 117 (1896);
    Pharmazeutische Zentralhalle für Deutschland., 814 (1896);
    Pharmazeutische Zeitschrift für Russland. 38, 549 (1896).
  5. ↑ Юрген Торвальд Сто лет криминалистики — М: Прогресс, 1974
  6. ↑ "FAQ". ElevationChemicals. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  7. 1 2 "Reagent Testing Instructions" . Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  8. 1 2 3 Morris, Jeremiah. Color Tests and Analytical Difficulties with Emerging Drugs (PDF). Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Criminalistics Laboratory: NIST. p. 36. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  9. ↑ "EcstasyData 5-MeO-MiPT". EcstasyData.
  10. ↑ "Controlled Substances Procedures Manual" (PDF). Virginia Department of Forensic Science. 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 August 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
  11. ↑ "Color Test Reagents/Kits for Preliminary Identification of Drugs of Abuse" (PDF). Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program. July 2000. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  12. ↑ O’Neal, C. L.; Crouch, D. J.; Fatah, A. A. (2000). "Validation of twelve chemical spot tests for the detection of drugs of abuse". Forensic Science International. 109 (3): 189–201. doi:10.1016/S0379-0738(99)00235-2. PMID   10725655.
  13. ↑ Johns, S. H.; Wist, A. A.; Najam, A. R. (1 July 1979). "Spot Tests: A Color Chart Reference for Forensic Chemists" (PDF). Journal of Forensic Sciences. 24 (3): 631. doi:10.1520/JFS10882J. S2CID   68755072. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 February 2020.
  14. ↑ "Marquis and LSD: Is color change visible?". Erowid. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  15. ↑ Morris, Jeremiah (2004). "Analytical Profile of Modafinil" (PDF). Microgram Journal. 3 (1–2): 28. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
  16. ↑ Lancashire, Robert J. (13 October 2011). "Unit 9: Crime - Reagent Kits". University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.