Rapid Identification of Ecstasy (MDMA) and Methamphetamine by Color Tests

Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), such as methamphetamine and ecstasy (MDMA), are a group of substances, mostly synthetic in origin, that generally stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). There has been a growing tendency among Iranian youth for the abuse of methamphetamine and, to a much lesser extent, ecstasy during the past decade. GC-MS methods used to identify and quantify ATS are lengthy, expensive processes, but often rapid analysis is requested. In this study we used colour tests as the simplest and quickest chemical test to identify MDMA and methamphetamine in the forty samples seized in Iran
TIn this study 20 samples of ecstasy tablets and 20 samples of crystalline methamphetamine obtained from antinarcotics police of Iran were analyzed. Color tests (Marquis test, Simon’s test, Chen’s test and Gallic acid test) were carried out on the samples. GC-MS method was used to confirm the color of test results.
All tablets containing MDMA gave a dark purple color to Marquis test and dark blue to Simon’s. No color was developed in reaction with Chen’s reagent. For all tablets containing MDMA a dark green color was developed in response to the addition of Gallic acid reagent. All samples containing methamphetamine gave a orange color to Marquis test and deep blue to Simon’s. No color was developed in reaction with Chen’s and Gallic acid reagents. Color test results were confirmed by GC-MS. The range of MDMA content in tablets was 10–60% and the range of methamphetamine content in samples was 30–70%.
The Marquis test allows the distinction between amphetamine and its ring-substituted analogues. Simon’s test is generally used as a test for secondary amines, such as methamphetamine and secondary ring-substituted amphetamines, including MDMA. Chen’s test is used to distinguish ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, phenylpropanolamine and methcathinone from amphetamine and methamphetamine, which do not react with Chen’s test reagent. A fourth test, the gallic acid test, provides a simple means for the distinction of MDMA from amphetamine or methamphetamine. The results showed that color tests can be used in many laboratories which are not equipped with systems analysis.