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, [1] 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 1 g of selenous acid. While sale to the general public is legal, it is not recommended as strong corrosives can cause permanent skin and eye damage and require extensive safety ratings. [2]
Substance | Color |
---|---|
Chlorpromazine | Blackish red |
Codeine | Very dark bluish green |
Diacetylmorphine (Heroin) | Deep bluish green |
DMMA | Dark brown |
Doxepin | Very dark red |
Dristan | Light olive brown |
Exedrine | Dark greyish yellow |
LSD | Greenish black |
Mace | Dark greyish olive |
Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) | Very dark blue |
Mescaline | Moderate olive |
Morphine monohydrate | Very dark bluish green |
Opium | Olive black |
Oxycodone | Moderate olive |
Propoxyphene | Deep reddish brown |
PMMA | Pale olive green [3] |
PMA | Pale olive green [3] or light green [4] |
Sugar | Brilliant greenish yellow |
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, [1] 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 1 g of selenous acid. While sale to the general public is legal, it is not recommended as strong corrosives can cause permanent skin and eye damage and require extensive safety ratings. [2]
Substance | Color |
---|---|
Chlorpromazine | Blackish red |
Codeine | Very dark bluish green |
Diacetylmorphine (Heroin) | Deep bluish green |
DMMA | Dark brown |
Doxepin | Very dark red |
Dristan | Light olive brown |
Exedrine | Dark greyish yellow |
LSD | Greenish black |
Mace | Dark greyish olive |
Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) | Very dark blue |
Mescaline | Moderate olive |
Morphine monohydrate | Very dark bluish green |
Opium | Olive black |
Oxycodone | Moderate olive |
Propoxyphene | Deep reddish brown |
PMMA | Pale olive green [3] |
PMA | Pale olive green [3] or light green [4] |
Sugar | Brilliant greenish yellow |