An improved field test for barbiturates and hydantoins with a modified cobalt(II) thiocyanate reagent
Abstract
The classical Dille-Koppanyi cobalt(II) acetate reagent has been rendered more sensitive and stable so as to provide a convenient single-fluid reagent for field testing for barbiturates. The test will also detect hydantoins and other hypnotics. Reagents based on cobalt(II) thiocyanate are essentially stable and are able to detect sub-microgram amounts of barbiturates in the keto form. The colour developed with barbiturates can be preserved indefinitely.