Simon's reagent is used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify

alkaloids Alkaloids are a class of basic, naturally occurring organic compounds that contain at least one nitrogen atom. This group also includes some related compounds with neutral and even weakly acidic properties. Some synthetic compounds of similar ...

as well as other compounds. It reacts with secondary amines 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 desired ...

and

methamphetamine Methamphetamine (contracted from ) is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is mainly used as a recreational drug and less commonly as a second-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity. Meth ...

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

amphetamine Amphetamine (contracted from alpha- methylphenethylamine) is a strong central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. It is also commonly used ...

or MDA.

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 Acetaldehyde (IUPAC systematic name ethanal) is an organic chemical compound with the formula CH3 CHO, sometimes abbreviated by chemists as MeCHO (Me = methyl). It is a colorless liquid or gas, boiling near room temperature. It is one of the ...

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 the ...

, 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 bo ...

. 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 a ...

salt is hydrolysed to the bright blue Simon-Awe complex.

Acetaldehyde Acetaldehyde (IUPAC systematic name ethanal) is an organic chemical compound with the formula CH3 CHO, sometimes abbreviated by chemists as MeCHO (Me = methyl). It is a colorless liquid or gas, boiling near room temperature. It is one of the ...

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 miscible wi ...

, in which case the reagent detects primary amines 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