Ehrlich’s Reagent

Instructions for Using Ehrlich’s Reagent

To use Ehrlich’s reagent, put a tiny bit of your substance on a white ceramic plate. Place one drop of reagent on the sample. (Some reagents require a drop from two separate bottles, but Ehrlich’s reagent consists of only one bottle.) Compare the color change to the color bars in the chart below. With liquid LSD the reaction usually happens fast, but with blotter or gel tabs it can take up to five minutes.

Note: Sometimes the ink used in blotter art can bleed into the reagent and distort the color reaction. Usually this won’t happen, but if possible, test a tiny piece of the blotter that doesn’t have ink on it.

Remember, reagents cannot detect purity, only presence. Store them in a refrigerator. Wash the plate thoroughly when done.