Question

State THREE factors that complicate the analysis of unknown white powders by microcrystal tests?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Microcrystal tests are quick, simple and extremely sensitive tests for the identification of substances. They involve the formation of crystals from the reaction of the target compound with a chemical reagent. It is followed by the analysis of the resulting crystals of a polarizing microscope and comparison with given material.

In microcrystal test, a drop of chemical mixture is added to a little amount of a suspect substance on a slide. This cause a chemical reaction, which forms a crystal residue. The shape and size of crystals show what type of drug, which is present in the sample.

But sometimes microcrystal test cannot confirm the presence of white powder, because the drug might be fat soluble. Such as THC(active ingredient), which is able to accumulate in the fat body or the body removes the drugs, which are water soluble such as cocaine which is eliminated in few hours.

The age of users, the amount of drug taken also complicate microcrystal test.

Synthetic cathinones normally present as white or off-white powders although they can come in a range of colors.

TLC is used for the separation and identification of criminally used drugs.