Simon's reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify alkaloids as well as other compounds. It reacts with

secondary amines In chemistry, amines (, ) are compounds and functional groups that contain a basic nitrogen atom with a lone pair. Amines are formally derivatives of ammonia (), wherein one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a substituent such ...

like MDMA and methamphetamine to give a blue solution.

Uses

The primary use of this reagent is for detecting secondary amines, such as

MDMA 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly seen in tablet form (ecstasy) and crystal form (molly or mandy), is a potent empathogen–entactogen with stimulant properties primarily used for recreational purposes. The desire ...

and methamphetamine, and is typically used after the mecke or marquis reagents to differentiate between the two mentioned and amphetamine or

MDA MDA, mda, or ''variation'', may refer to: Places * Moldova, a country in Europe with the ISO 3166-1 country code MDA Politics * Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (2018), ruling coalition government in the Indian State of Meghalaya led by National Pe ...

Chemistry

The reagent is typically provided in two parts: * A mixture of 2%

sodium nitroprusside Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), sold under the brand name Nitropress among others, is a medication used to lower blood pressure. This may be done if the blood pressure is very high and resulting in symptoms, in certain types of heart failure, and d ...

and 2% acetaldehyde in water (solution A) * A solution of 2% sodium carbonate in water (solution B) Separate storage of the aldehyde and base are necessary to prevent aldol polymerisation of the aldehyde. When exposed to an amine, reaction with acetaldehyde produces the

enamine An enamine is an unsaturated compound derived by the condensation of an aldehyde or ketone with a secondary amine. Enamines are versatile intermediates. : The word "enamine" is derived from the affix ''en''-, used as the suffix of alkene, and t ...

, which subsequently reacts with

to the

imine In organic chemistry, an imine ( or ) is a functional group or organic compound containing a carbon–nitrogen double bond (). The nitrogen atom can be attached to a hydrogen or an organic group (R). The carbon atom has two additional single bon ...

. Finally, the

iminium In organic chemistry, an iminium cation is a polyatomic ion with the general structure . They are common in synthetic chemistry and biology. Structure Iminium cations adopt alkene-like geometries. The central C=N unit is nearly coplanar with al ...

salt is hydrolysed to the bright blue Simon-Awe complex. Acetaldehyde can be replaced with

acetone Acetone (2-propanone or dimethyl ketone), is an organic compound with the formula . It is the simplest and smallest ketone (). It is a colorless, highly volatile and flammable liquid with a characteristic pungent odour. Acetone is miscib ...

, in which case the reagent detects

primary amines In chemistry, amines (, ) are compounds and functional groups that contain a basic nitrogen atom with a lone pair. Amines are formally derivatives of ammonia (), wherein one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a substituent s ...

instead, giving a purple coloured product.

Testing Method

A drop from each solution (A and B) is dripped onto the substance being tested, causing the two solutions to mix together.

References

{{reflist Chemical tests Analytical reagents Drug testing reagents

Uses

Chemistry

Testing Method

See also

References