New Microcrystal Tests for Controlled Drugs, Diverted Pharmaceuticals, and Bath Salts (Synthetic Cathinones)

Sebastian B. Sparenga M.S.; Gary J. Laughlin, Ph.D.*; Meggan B. King, B.Sc.; and Dean Golemis, B.A.
McCrone Research Institute, Chicago

*Corresponding author: Gary J. Laughlin, Ph.D., glaughlin@mcri.org

Abstract: McCrone Research Institute is publishing New Microcrystal Tests for Controlled Drugs, Diverted Pharmaceuticals, and Bath Salts (Synthetic Cathinones), which contains newly developed microcrystal tests and reagents for 9 drugs: alprazolam, butylone, MDPV, 4-MEC, mephedrone, methylone, alpha-PVP, tramadol, and zolpidem. This research follows McCrone’s original compendium of 19 drugs, A Modern Compendium of Microcrystal Tests for Illicit Drugs and Diverted Pharmaceuticals, first published in 2015. The PDF links below are the introduction to microcrystal test research and methods, and the monographs for two drugs, aprazolam and butylone. IR spectra files for each drug, in .SPC and .JPG formats, are also available for download and viewing. Additional monographs will be published on this web page and in future issues of The Microscope journal.

Citation: McCrone Research Institute. New Microcrystal Tests for Controlled Drugs, Diverted Pharmaceuticals, and Bath Salts (Synthetic Cathinones): https://www.mccroneinstitute.org/v/1436/New-Microcrystal-Tests-for-Controlled-Drugs-Diverted-Pharmaceuticals-and-Bath-Salts-Synthetic-Cathinones

Published: May 8, 2020:

Introduction to New Microcrystal Tests for Drugs

Alprazolam: Gold Bromide with Hydrochloric Acid

Alprazolam: Gold Bromide with Sulfuric Acid and Acetic Acid

Butylone: Palladium Chloride with Hydrochloric Acid and Phosphoric Acid

Butylone: Platinum Bromide with Sulfuric Acid

This project was supported by Award No. 2016-IJ-CX-K010, awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of McCrone Research Institute and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice.