Description
Ehrlich’s reagent, also known as p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) reagent, is a chemical solution commonly used in forensic and analytical chemistry for the presumptive identification of certain drugs, particularly indole-containing compounds such as tryptamines and ergolines. It is composed of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde dissolved in a solvent, often concentrated hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. When mixed with a suspected drug sample, Ehrlich’s reagent can produce characteristic color changes or formation of colored complexes, aiding in the preliminary detection of specific compounds. This reagent is particularly useful in the detection of hallucinogenic substances like LSD and psilocybin.