Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I'm working on a group project for chemistry where we're supposed to create something, and present it to the class as if we were on shark tank. My group has decided to research and present a cup, plain solo or glass, that can be used in bars to detect benzodiazaphens, such as Rohypnol and ketamine. My only problem is, I can't understand how we would figure out what would cause a reaction that would indicate the presence of a benzodiazaphen. I've looked up drug tests and how they work, and benzo-specific ones, but I just don't know. What physically and visibly reacts with what is in Ketamine and Rohypnol, but won't be triggered by the presence of alcohol, soda, or any other beverage like them?

Hello Gartrellk,

The type of test that you’re asking about is called qualitative analysis. A qualitative analysis is aimed at indicating the presence (but not the amount) of a chemical or a category of chemicals.

One kind of qualitative analysis is a chemical test in which the chemical of interest is combined with a reagent known to produce a reaction with certain chemical types. If the reaction is observed (a color change, for example) the chemical of interest is confirmed to be of the type that reacts with the reagent.

Many reagents are available for chemical tests. Several reagents are useful for indicating presence of benzodiazepine and related chemical compounds. A couple of examples are described in the following links.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimmermann_reagent

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquis_reagent

You should be able to find more examples with a little research online. Each reagent will represent a different reaction with the chemicals of interest.

I hope this helps. Please ask again if you have more questions.

A. Norman

Hi am also working on a similar project and I was wondering how did ye make the cups detect the drug or even the name of the chemical used To detect the drug.

Can you please help me...thank you
I will also give credit to you in my project