Liebermann Reagent Test Instructions

The Liebermann reagent, named in honor of the Hungarian chemist Leo Liebermann (1852-1926), serves as a rapid spot-test for the preliminary detection of alkaloids and other compounds. Its composition typically involves a blend of concentrated sulfuric acid and potassium nitrite, where the recommended ratio is 1 gram of potassium nitrite for every 10 milliliters of sulfuric acid. Alternatively, sodium nitrite can be used as a substitute. This reagent finds application in the identification of substances such as cocaine, morphine, PMA, and PMMA. To conduct the test, a small sample of the material is scraped off, and a drop of the initially transparent and colorless reagent is added. The results are then interpreted based on the observed color of the resulting mixture and the duration it takes for the color change to manifest.

Liebermann reagent is a common drug testing kit for crystals, powders or pills. Liebermann test is best for 2C-B, cocaine, DMT, ketamine, MDMA, meth/amphetamine, mephedrone, opioids and more.

How to test?

Watch how to use Liebermann reagent:

Questions?

What is Liebermann reagent test for?

Liebermann Reagent Test is one of main reagents for identifying cocaine, ketamine, or mephedrone, but it is also suitable for benzofurans, MDMA and MDA, meth/amphetamine, opioids, tryptamines, phenethylamines and more. It is used to rule out different, less predictable, less desirable, highly toxic dangerous drugs. Multiple reagents are required to detect adulterants and increase analysis precision.
Reagent tests can indicate PRESENCE, but not QUANTITY. Mixtures can be detected with reagents only if adulterant causes a darker color change than the expected substance. To detect all ingredients and estimate their amount pair reagents with a TLC purity test kit.
What is included in Liebermann reagent test kit?

Liebermann Reagent Test Kit includes Liebermann reagent, absorbent vermiculite, a porcelain reaction plate, a spatula, gloves, instructions and app for all test kits and over 800 substances. Bottle contains 10 ml (crystals), 100 tests in total. High quality HDPE and brown amber glass protect reagents from light, plastic and moisture to ensure prolonged shelf life. Child-proof caps guarantee 0 spills.
What is each reagent test for?
Liebermann Reagent Test is best for identifying cocaine, ketamine, or mephedrone, but it is also suitable for benzofurans, MDMA and MDA, meth/amphetamine, opioids, tryptamines, phenethylamines and more.
- Cannabis (4-AP) – main test for THC / CBD, helps rule out synthetic cannabinoids
- Ehrlich – main test for all indoles, e.g. lysergamides and tryptamines but also 5-HTP and more, secondary test for cocaine
- Hofmann – main test for lysergamides and tryptamines, more precise but slower than Ehrlich
- Froehde – main test for most powders, secondary test for ketamine and amphetamines, long shelf life
- Liebermann – main test for most powders, secondary test for cocaine (detects levamisole)
- Marquis – main test for most powders, secondary test for ketamine, mephedrone and psychedelics
- Mecke – main test for most powders, secondary test for cocaine, ketamine and mephedrone
- Morris – main test for cathinones, cocaine and ketamine, can tell apart some novel dissociatives
- Robadope – main test for primary amines, e.g. MDA, amphetamine or PMA
- Simon – main test for secondary amines, e.g. MDMA, meth, mephedrone, methylone or PMMA
- Zimmermann / Beam – main test for cathinones and benzodiazepines in geneal, detects also CBD
Fentanyl Test Strip to detect fentanyl, even if it is mixed in another substance.
Reagents can indicate PRESENCE, but not QUANTITY. Adulterants can be detected with reagents only if they cause a darker color change than the expected substance. To detect all ingredients and estimate their amount pair reagents with a TLC purity test kit.
How to use Liebermann reagent test kit?

GET ALL TOOLS
First, prepare a clean white testing surface – ceramic or glass is the best, e.g. bottom of a mug or a plate. Get your sample, reagents, a sharp tool / scoop and paper towels.
PREPARE SAMPLE, ABOUT THIS BIG -> ●
If testing a pill, powder or crystal, crush it finely. If testing a blotter or gel tab cut off 1/8th (a corner). If testing a liquid, dry one drop on paper or clean ceramic surface. A bigger sample can cause a stronger reaction. You need a new sample for each test.
ADD ONE* DROP (OR PILE) OF REAGENT
Shake bottles hard before use, then tap firmly to shake down any reagent stuck in cap. Do not let a bottle touch sample or you will ruin the rest of the reagent. Use just enough reagent to cover a sample. If using crystals avoid air pockets by flattening crystals onto sample using a clean tool. *Do not combine reagents except for „A” and „B” bottles.
OBSERVE FOR UP TO 3 MINUTES
Disregard any color change after 3 minutes. Do not overinterpret your results, consider that color change reaction is always fastest and most vivid in the part where biggest surface of reagent touches sample, compared to its edges. Over time reaction will degrade due to air contact. Take photos.
COMPARE RESULTS
Compare color change with instructions. Reagents can indicate PRESENCE, but not QUANTITY. Adulterants can be detected with reagents only if they cause a darker color change than the expected substance. To detect all ingredients and estimate their amount pair reagents with a TLC purity test kit.
Clean used reagent tools / testing surface with lots of running water and detergent, avoid contamination.
How to interpret Liebermann reagent test results?
Expected Liebermann reagent test results:
- 2C-B – yellow > black
- Cocaine – yellow / faint orange
- DMT – brown > black
- Heroin – purple / black
- Ketamine – faint yellow
- LSD – no instant vivid reaction
- Meth/Amphetamine – orange / red
- MDMA/MDA – instant black
- MMC – yellow / faint orange
Key Liebermann reagent reactions

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW PRO TEST REAGENT TESTING BOOKLET IN FULL RESOLUTION
CHECK ALL LIEBERMANN TEST REACTIONS IN RESULTS APP AT PROTESTKIT.EU/RESULTS
How to handle Liebermann test kit?

Drug testing kits contain toxic and/or corrosive chemicals, strong enough to burn skin and clothing. Keep out of eyes and mouth. Keep away from children and animals. Always use in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves (supplied) when handling the bottle and cap. Wear protective eyewear. Never point towards face etc. If you get some on you/clothing, then immediately wash with lots of soap and water. Dispose of any unwanted reagent with running water, ventilate. Store reagents standing up and away from heat in a cool, dark place. The average shelf life of 2 years can be significantly extended by storing in a fridge or freezer (warm up to room temperature before use).
Reagents deteriorate with time or due to contact with air, especially if exposed to sunlight or not refrigerated. If you are uncertain whether the reagent will work, test it with an already confirmed sample.
How to test potency and detect all adulterants?
Pair Liebermann testing kit with a TLC purity test kit and fent strips. TLC allows you to discover full number of ingredients and estimate their amount, however still requires reagent tests to identify detected compounds. To detect even trace amounts of fentanyl use fent strips.
Primary TLC Testing Liquid – alkaloids, caffeine, phenetylamines (amphetamine, MDMA, 2C-B, etc.), indolamines (LSD, DMT, etc.), ketamine, tryptamines, opiates and more. Included in TLC kits for amphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA and Full.
- To test amphetamine purity use TLC Amphetamine Purity Test Kit (% ruler not included)
- To test methamphetamine purity use TLC Methamphetamine Purity Test Kit (% ruler not included)
- To test ketamine purity use TLC Ketamine Purity Test Kit (% ruler not included)
- To test MDMA purity use TLC MDMA Purity Test Kit (MDMA % ruler included).
TLC Testing Liquid for Cocaine – cocaine, caffeine, ketamine, levamisole, lidocaine, procaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, acetaminophen and more. Included in the TLC kit for cocaine.
- To test cocaine purity use TLC Cocaine Purity Test Kit (cocaine % ruler included).
TLC Testing Liquid for Cannabinoids – for testing all natural cannabinoids and cannabis products. Included in TLC kit for cannabinoids.
- To test complete cannabinoids spectrum use TLC Cannabinoids Test Kit (THC and CBD % rulers included).
To precisely test purity of as many compounds as possible consider the Full TLC Purity Test Kit (% rulers included).
More questions?