Vw. Kamble et al., A NEW CHROMOGENIC SPRAY REAGENT FOR THE DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF HEROIN (DIACETYLMORPHINE) .1., JPC. Journal of planar chromatography, modern TLC, 9(4), 1996, pp. 280-281
A new specific and sensitive chromogenic reagent consisting of a 1:1 (
v/v) mixture of a 1% (w/v) aqueous solution of cupric chloride and a 1
% (w/v) aqueous solution of potassium ferricyanide has been developed
for the detection and identification of heroin (diacetylmorphine). Her
oin gives a dark brown spot after spraying with the reagent; it was in
ferred from IR spectroscopy that the product was the result of complex
formation. This reagent does not give positive reaction to the usuall
y occurring adulterants such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqu
alone, and caffeine, etc. The reagent is sensitive to approximately 1
mu g of heroin.