The Mecke reagent is one of many drug identification reagents. It changes color in the presence of a compound in a predictable fashion and can be used to help infer the potential identity of a compound.
Introduction to Mecke reagent
Its advantage is that it can test for 2C-T-xx compounds (e.g. 2C-T-7 or 2C-T-21), DXM and opiates.
Tests for: MDxx, DXM, opiates, and 2C-T-xx.
The Simon's and Robadope reagents can be used to distinguish between substances in a family, for example between MDA and MDMA. They should be used in conjunction with another more versatile reagent if one does not know what substances are present in the powder or pill, but they are sufficient if e.g. one knows that the substance is either MDE or MDMA.
Known color changes with Mecke reagent
Drug Color Change Diacetylmorphine HCl Deep bluish green Dimethoxy-meth HCl Dark brown Doxepin HCl Very dark red Dristan powder Light olive brown Exedrine powder Dark grayish yellow Hydrocodone tartrate Dark bluish green LSD Greenish black Mace5 crystals Dark grayish olive MDA HCl Very dark bluish green Mescaline HCl Moderate olive Morphine monohydrate Very dark bluish green Nutmeg leaves Brownish black Opium Powder Olive black Oxycodone HCl Moderate olive Propoxyphene HCl Deep reddish brown Sugar crystals Brilliant greenish yellow
Making Mecke reagent
Danger of the Mecke reagent
1. Selenious acid – OXIDIZER, TOXIC. Highly toxic. Contact with combustible
material may cause fire. Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin, and if swallowed.
Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin. Target organs: liver, heart. Keep away from combustible material. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection.[1]
2. Sulfuric acid - OXIDIZER, ACID, TOXIC, CORROSIVE. Liquid and mist
cause severe burns to all body tissue. May be fatal if swallowed. Harmful if inhaled.
Inhalation may case lung damage. Do not get liquid in eyes, on skin, or clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. Avoid breathing vapors. Use with adequate ventilation. Do not add water to contents while in container because of violent reaction. Store in tightly closed container. Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves.[1]
How the Mecke reagent works
This section needs to be written. Please contact member NeuroChi if you would like to help.
The reactions induced by Mecke reagent are much less known than the reactions produced by the Marquis reagent. So far, the reaction has been elucidated for morphine (and therefore morphine derivatives). This section will therefore focus on describing the chemical reactions of selenious acid, then will give some indications about potential reactions occuring. The proposed reaction for morphine will conclude, along with additional notes.Reactions involving selenium dioxide
While the Mecke reagent involves the use of selenious acid, it should be noted that it is equivalent to selenium dioxide. Indeed, selenious acid (OSe(OH)2 = SeO2 + H2O) is the hydrated form of selenium dioxide (SeO2).
Selenium dioxide is used as an oxidizer in organic chemistry. Its reactions involve the oxidization of aldehydes and ketones into α-dicarbonylates derivatives, and allyl oxidization of alkenes.Oxidization of aldehydes and ketones
Allylic oxidization
Potential reactions involved with drug molecules
Reaction of morphine with Mecke reagent
Morphine (1) firstly undergoes an acid-catalyzed rearrangement into apomorphine (2). Apomorphine (an ortho-hydroquinone) is then oxidized into the corresponding ortho-quinone (3). (3) is the compound responsible for the green coloration.
![[IMG]](https://drugs-forum.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=3509&pictureid=32822)
Additional notes
Compounds tested with Mecke reagent
The following is a list of compounds tested by Drugs Forum members with the Mecke reagent.
Verified refers to whether or not the compound was verified by a third party lab (ie. GC/MS results confirm).
Color refers to the best description of the color either by image upload or user(s) description. Please see the thread linked for more information.
Compound Verified? Color Other notes 4-FA [1] no Brown / dark drown 4-FA [2] no Brown 4-FA [3] no Brown user believes this is 4-FA 4-FMA [1] no Dark red / brown at first, green if diluted user comments this compound is barely active in high doses 6-APB [1] no Yellow user describes this compound as supposedly 6-APB, though very impure JWH-073 [1] no yellow > yellow/orange JWH-081 [1] no dark red/brown JWH-250 [1] no bright red MDPV [1] no Dark red / brown no rxn to Simons or Robadope, implies tertiary amine (MDPV) MDPV [2] no Dark brown no rxn to Simons or Robadope, implies tertiary amine (MDPV) Methylone [1] no Orange Naphyrone [1] no Dark red / brown rxn to Simons, implies secondary amine (not Naphyrone)