CAS 39775-75-2 Dragendorff reagent - Analytical Products / Alfa Chemistry

CAT	AP39775752
CAS	39775-75-2
Structure
MDL Number	MFCD00283106

Description	for TLC derivatization
Grade	for TLC derivatization; ethyl acetate; sodium iodide; sodium tetraiodobismutate
Size	100ML

[Modified Dragendorff Reagent for the Procurement of Lasting Coloration of Spots in Paper Chromatographic and Electrophoretic Investigation of Alkaloids]

M A ROBLES

Pharm Weekbl. 1959 Mar 21;94(6):178-9.

PMID: 13645228

Densitometric TLC Analysis for the Control of Tropane and Steroidal Alkaloids in Lycium Barbarum

A Kokotkiewicz, P Migas, J Stefanowicz, M Luczkiewicz, M Krauze-Baranowska

Food Chem. 2017 Apr 15;221:535-540.

PMID: 27979237

New biological findings of ethanol and chloroform extracts of fungi S uillellus rubrosanguineus and Tylopilus felleus

Ivana Šušaníková, Adriána Kvasnicová, Žofia Brzková, Ondrej Ďuriška, Pavel Mučaji

Interdiscip Toxicol. 2018 Oct;11(3):204-208.

PMID: 31736634

Quantitative Determination of Sibutramine in Adulterated Herbal Slimming Formulations by TLC-image Analysis Method

Panadda Phattanawasin, Uthai Sotanaphun, Tasamaporn Sukwattanasinit, Jariya Akkarawaranthorn, Sarunyaporn Kitchaiya

Forensic Sci Int. 2012 Jun 10;219(1-3):96-100.

PMID: 22227151

Tensammetric Determination of Non-Ionic Surfactants Combined With BiAS Separation Procedure (wickbold)-I. Precipitation of Different Ethoxylates With Modified Dragendorff Reagent in the Proposed and Classical BiAS Procedures

B Wyrwas, A Szymanski, Z Lukaszewski

Talanta. 1994 Sep;41(9):1529-35.

PMID: 18966099

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Case Study

Dragendorff's Reagent for the Colorimetric Detection of Sibutramine in Paper-Based Analytical Devices

Karamahito, Pattaraporn, et al. Microchemical Journal 162 (2021): 105784.

Dragendorff's reagent has been effectively applied in a novel paper-based analytical device for the colorimetric detection and quantification of sibutramine, an amine-containing compound frequently found as an illegal adulterant in weight-loss products. This approach utilizes a distance-based detection strategy that enables quantitative analysis without reliance on imaging instruments.
The device features a thermometer-shaped pattern printed on filter paper, with Dragendorff's reagent pre-deposited at the sample inlet zone. Upon sample application, sibutramine reacts with the reagent to form an intense orange-red precipitate, identified as a sibutramine-tetraiodobismuthate(III) complex. The length of the precipitate along the microfluidic channel correlates directly with sibutramine concentration, allowing visual quantification using an integrated ruler scale.
The system demonstrates a linear response range of 0.22-0.90 mmol L⁻¹, with excellent reproducibility (RSD < 4.4%) and a limit of quantification at 0.22 mmol L⁻¹. The reaction specificity derives from the formation of an ion-pair between the protonated amine of sibutramine and the tetraiodobismuthate(III) anion, a classic application of Dragendorff's reagent in alkaloid detection.
This work highlights the continued relevance of Dragendorff's reagent in modern analytical chemistry, particularly in the development of low-cost, rapid, and equipment-free detection platforms for pharmaceutical adulterants in complex matrices.

Dragendorff Reagent for the Colorimetric Detection of Scopolamine in Forensic Samples

Melo, Larissa MA, et al. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 427 (2025): 137131.

Dragendorff reagent was utilized in a two-step electrochemical-colorimetric method designed for the detection of scopolamine in forensic samples, including beverages and biological fluids. The experimental procedure involved an initial electrochemical screening using square-wave voltammetry with screen-printed graphite electrodes (SPGEs), followed by a colorimetric confirmation step
In the colorimetric stage, 50 µL of the sample solution-either a scopolamine standard (10 mg mL⁻¹) or methanol as a negative control-was mixed with 150 µL of Dragendorff reagent. The reaction was carried out at room temperature without the need for heating or additional catalysts. In the absence of scopolamine, an orange coloration developed due to the typical formation of the Dragendorff complex. However, when scopolamine was present, the color changed distinctly to yellow, accompanied by a slight precipitate formation. This visible shift served as a reliable qualitative indicator of the alkaloid.
This simple, rapid protocol was successfully applied to various matrices such as gin, tonic water, whisky, energy drinks, and biological fluids (urine, saliva, and vitreous humor), demonstrating the method's versatility. The Dragendorff reagent enabled clear visual discrimination of scopolamine within minutes, enhancing its applicability in field-based forensic screening where instrumentation may be limited.
This study highlights the practical effectiveness of Dragendorff reagent in detecting psychoactive alkaloids through straightforward and visually interpretable chemistry.

Dragendorff's Reagent for the Histochemical Localization of Indolizidine Alkaloids in Prosopis ruscifolia

Gomez, Analía A., et al. Flora 256 (2019): 1-6.

Dragendorff's reagent was employed as a key alkaloid-precipitating agent for the histochemical localization of indolizidine alkaloids in Prosopis ruscifolia, a tree known for producing bioactive secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties. In this study, Dragendorff's reagent, along with picric acid and Lugol's solution, was used to visualize alkaloid distribution in various plant parts including the petiole, rachis, leaflet, and pods.
Methanolic extracts of leaves and pods were first subjected to thin-layer chromatography (TLC) using a mobile phase of ethyl acetate : formic acid : water (6.5 : 1.5 : 1, v/v/v). After chromatographic development, the TLC plates were air-dried and sprayed with Dragendorff's reagent. The reagent reacted selectively with alkaloid bands, producing distinct orange-colored spots, particularly at Rf values of 0.53 and 0.49. These bands were consistently observed in both leaf and pod extracts, confirming the presence and localization of indolizidine alkaloids.
The specificity of Dragendorff's reagent was demonstrated by its lack of reactivity toward non-alkaloid components such as gallocatechin, pinitol, proline, and tryptamine, which remained uncolored. This highlights the utility of Dragendorff's reagent for selective in situ visualization of alkaloids in complex plant matrices.
Overall, this method underscores the effectiveness of Dragendorff's reagent in histochemical and phytochemical investigations, particularly for rapid, selective detection of plant alkaloids via colorimetric response on TLC media.