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 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.
+ Final colors produced by Mecke Reagent with various substancesSubstance 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 blueMescaline Moderate olive Morphine monohydrate Very dark bluish greenOpium Olive black Oxycodone Moderate olivePropoxyphene Deep reddish brownPMMA Pale olive greenPMA Pale olive green or light greenSugar Brilliant greenish yellow
See also Drug checking Dille–Koppanyi reagent Folin's reagent Froehde reagent Liebermann reagent Mandelin reagent Marquis reagent Simon's reagent Zwikker reagent
References
External links DHPedia - Mecke Reagent: A comprehensive list of colour reactions (inducing photographs of results)