Mandelin reagent is primarily used as a simple spot-test to presumptively identify the presence of ketamine and the often-deadly PMA and PMMA. It can also be used to detect various amphetamines, 2-C’s, opiates, cocaine, and other substances. A drop or two of Mandelin (which is initially bright yellow) is added to a small amount of the test substance, and the resulting colour change and its duration compared to a reference chart of known colour reactions. Different compounds produce different colour reactions.
Performing a Marquis Drug Test
Mandelin reagent is a mix of sulfuric acid and ammonium vanadate, and therefore highly toxic, and strongly corrosive. Mandelin can be absorbed through the skin, and should only be stored in glass or porcelain containers.
- Shake the Mandelin well.
- Put a drop of reagent on a glass or porcelain surface.
- Take a small sample of the substance and add it to the reagent.
- Wait thirty seconds to one minute for the reaction to take place.
- Compare the resulting colour change to the references below. No colour change should be taken as a sign of the presence of one or more unknown substances.
Click to enlarge
Mandelin Reagent Colour Results
Substance
2C-T-7
Acetaminophen
Benzphetamine
Chlorpromazine
Cocaine
Codeine
d-Amphetamine
d-Methamphetamine
Diacetylmorphine (Heroin)
Dimethoxy-meth
Doxepin
Dristan
Exedrine
Ketamine
Mace
MDA
MDMA
Mescaline
Methadone
Methaqualone
Methylphenidate
Morphine monohydrate
Opium
Oxycodone
Procaine
Propoxyphene
PMA
PMMA
Salt (NaCl)
Colour
Maroon to black
Moderate olive
Brilliant yellow green
Dark olive
Deep orange yellow
Dark olive
Moderate bluish green
Dark yellowish green
Moderate reddish brown
Dark olive brown
Very reddish brown
Greyish olive
Dark olive
Deep reddish orange
Moderate olive green
Bluish black
Bluish black
Dark yellowish brown
Dark greyish blue
Very orange yellow
Brilliant orange yellow
Dark greyish reddish brown
Olive black
Dark greenish yellow
Deep orange
Dark reddish brown
Reddish brown
Reddish brown
Strong orange
