Comparative study of the Dyson Perrins, Kippenberger and Wagner colour tests
Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City (CDMX), Mexico.
Review
World Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2026, 09(01), 046–048.
Article DOI: 10.53346/wjcps.2026.9.1.0025
Publication history:
Received on 27 June 2026; revised on 04 August 2026; accepted on 06 August 2026
Abstract:
There are three colour tests that employ iodine-potassium iodide solution. However, the obtained results differ. Dyson Perrins employed a hot alcoholic solution of berberine as substrate and obtained green crystals. Kippenberger used a strong alkaline solution of morphine, adding small quantities of iodine-potassium iodide solution. A green colour was observed, whereas Wagner obtained reddish-brown precipitates with alkaloids. After a comparative study, it can be concluded that the different results observed are due to different quantities of potassium iodide in relation to the iodine employed, notwithstanding the general composition is the same. Other factors intervening are the reaction temperature and the solvent, water or alcohol.
Keywords:
Dyson Perrins test; Kippenberger test; Lugol’s iodine; Triiodide; Wagner test
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