TheMecke reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identifyalkaloids as well as other compounds. It is composed of a mixture ofselenous acid and concentratedsulfuric acid,[1] which is dripped onto the substance being tested.
TheUnited 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 |
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