Microcrystalloscopic Differentiation of 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine and Related Amphetamine Derivatives

• NCJ Number: 130224
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1991) Pages: 908-914
• Author(s): B J Simpson; T P Simpson; R H Liu
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

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.

Abstract

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. 2 tables, 2 figures, and 12 references (Author abstract)