Use in Forensic Science
Sodium nitroprusside is used by forensic chemists in a preliminary test in the identification of illicit substances. The test, called Simon's test, is performed by adding 1 volume of a solution of SNP and acetaldehyde in deionized water to a suspected drug, followed by the addition of 2 volumes of an aqueous sodium carbonate solution. The test turns blue for some secondary amines. The most common secondary amines encountered in forensic chemistry include 3,4-methylenedixoymethamphetamine (MDMA, the main component in Ecstasy) and phenethylamines such as methamphetamine.
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