Microcrystalloscopic Differentiation of 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine and Related Amphetamine Derivatives
Beryl B. Simpson, T. J. Simpson, Rh Liu
Journal of Forensic Sciences May 1, 1991 DOI: 10.1520/jfs13102j (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Laboratory methods comparison Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Gold chloride reagents produced distinguishing crystals for MDA, mescaline, and DOET, but MDMA and MDEA formed similar crystals and were not easily differentiated. DOM and N-hydroxy-MDA were soluble in the gold chloride reagents and formed no crystals. |
Abstract
Abstract Commonly used gold chloride and its diluted forms are compared with gold bromide for potential microcrystalloscopic differentiation of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and related amphetamine derivatives. The crystal formation characteristics of MDA, mescaline, and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine (DOET) with diluted and undiluted gold chloride allow differentiation of these drugs, while 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine (MDEA) form similar crystals and are not easily differentiated. The compounds 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM) and N-hydroxy-MDA were soluble in the gold chloride reagents, and no crystals were formed.