Extraction Process

The addition of a small amount of a salt, such as (NH4)2SO4, to a solution containing

a charged protein increases the solubility of the protein in water. This observation is
called the salting-in effect. However, the addition of large amounts of salt can decrease
the solubility of the protein to such an extent that the protein precipitates from solution.
This observation is called the salting-out effect and is used widely by biochemists to
isolate and purify proteins. Consider the equilibrium PX(s)5P(aq) X(aq), where
Pis a polycationic protein of charge and Xis its counter ion. Use Le Chatelier’s
principle and the physical principles behind the Debye–Hückel theory to provide a
molecular interpretation for the salting-in and salting-out effects. (atkins 8e p/173).

Identification of methanol through the chromotropic acid test:

Reaction with chromotropic acid The identification of methanol through the chromotropic acid test:
To a test tube containing a drop of a 10 % aqueous solution of methanol add a drop of 5 % phosphoric
acid and a drop of 5 % potassium permanganate solution. After a minute, while shaking add a
saturated NaHSO3 solution until the colour disappears. If a brown MnO2 precipitate forms, add an
additional 7 drops of phosphoric acid and a very small amount of NaHSO3 solution. While shaking, add
4 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid and 4 drops of a 2 % aqueous solution of chromotropic acid (stored
in a dark bottle) to the colourless solution. The violet colour, which deepens while the solution cools
down, indicates the presence of formaldehyde which was formed from methanol when oxidized by
KMnO4 in a phosphoric acid solution

Some commonly used chemical color tests for drugs are the Marquis
test, the Mandelin test, the Scott test, the Dille-Koppanyi test, the
Duquenois-Levine test, and the Van Urk (or Ehrlich’s) test. All color
tests like these are used for screening purposes only and never as
confirmatory tests. (p83)

sold form of ecstasy, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

The Marquis reagent consists of a mixture of formaldehyde and
sulfuric acid in a ratio that differs somewhat from test to test. Most
commonly, the concentration of formaldehyde ranges from about 2
to 5 percent. A drop or two of the reagent is placed on the sample
to be tested, and any color changes that occur are noted. With the
opiates, the reagent gives a purple color that differs somewhat in
hue and intensity depending on the specific opiate present. (p/98)