Jerzy Afanasjew 0 Comments 27 October 2020

Zimmermann Reagent Test Instructions

The Zimmermann drug testing reagent test, a widely employed spot-test in chromatography, serves as a preliminary identification method for various compounds, especially benzodiazepines and alkaloids, in the realm of drugs testing. Comprising a two-component solution, it consists of 1% w/v 1,3-dinitrobenzene in methanol for the first component, and 15% potassium hydroxide in water for the second. Upon adding a drop of each component to the substance under examination, the resultant color change aids in discerning the compound’s nature. Notably, the reagent operates by generating a distinctive reddish-purple Meisenheimer complex at C3 for diazepines featuring a carbonyl at C2 and an alkyl group at N1, crucial for the formation of the methylene compound that reacts with dinitrobenzene. The test’s namesake, American biochemist Robert Zimmermann (b.1937), adds historical significance to its usage and recognition within the scientific community.

Zimmermann reagent is a common drug testing kit for crystals, powders, pills or plants. Zimmermann test is best for benzodiazepines, cathinones, CBD and more.

How to test?

Watch how to use Zimmermann reagent:

Questions?

What is Zimmermann reagent test for?

Zimmermann Reagent Test is one of main reagents for detecting a-PVP, MDPV, mephedrone and other cathinones but it is also suitable for benzodiazepines or CBD. It is often used to confirm or rule out presence of cathinones and benzodiazepines. 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 Zimmermann reagent test kit?

Zimmermann Reagent Test Kit includes Zimmermann reagent, absorbent vermiculite, a porcelain reaction plate, a spatula, gloves, instructions and app for all test kits and over 800 substances. Every bottle contains 5 ml, 100 tests in total. High quality HDPE protects reagents from light and moisture to ensure prolonged shelf life. Child-proof caps guarantee 0 spills.
What is each reagent test for?
Zimmermann Reagent Test is best for identifying a-PVP, MDPV, mephedrone, other cathinones, benzodiazepines, but it is also suitable for CBD 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 Zimmermann 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 Zimmermann reagent test results?
Expected Zimmermann reagent test results:
- 2C-B – no color change
- Benzodiazepines – purplish
- CBD – purple
- Clonazepam – yellow
- Cocaine – no color change
- DMT – no color change
- Heroin – no color change
- Ketamine – very faint pink
- LSD – no color change
- Meth/Amphetamine – no color change
- MDMA/MDA – no color change / faint yellow
- MMC – purplish > brown
Key Zimmermann reagent reactions

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW PRO TEST REAGENT TESTING BOOKLET IN FULL RESOLUTION

CHECK ALL ZIMMERMANN TEST REACTIONS IN RESULTS APP AT PROTESTKIT.EU/RESULTS
How to handle Zimmermann 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 Zimmermann 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?