Ehrlich Reagent: How to Test LSD, DMT and Tryptamines (Color Chart)

The short answer: Ehrlich goes purple when an indole is present — that means LSD, psilocybin, DMT and most tryptamines — and stays clear/colourless for NBOMe, which has killed people sold blotters as LSD. Pink appears from ~60 seconds and deepens to purple by ~3 minutes. A negative Ehrlich on a blotter sold as acid is a red flag, not a green light: confirm with Hofmann.

Two things Ehrlich cannot tell you: dose (a "weak" reaction is not a weak tab) and purity. Ehrlich answers identity only. Read the full two-reagent blotter protocol →

→ Ehrlich Reagent Kit ($25) · Hofmann Reagent Kit · Full reagent chart

One Reagent, One Chemical Target

The Ehrlich reagent tests for one thing: the indole ring. This chemical structure is present in LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and most tryptamine psychedelics. If a substance contains an indole ring, Ehrlich turns purple. If it doesn't, no reaction.

This makes Ehrlich simultaneously the most useful and most straightforward reagent in any testing kit.

What Ehrlich Detects

The NBOMe Problem

NBOMe compounds (25I-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe) are potent psychedelics sometimes sold as LSD on blotter paper. They DO NOT react with Ehrlich, the indole ring is absent.

If a tab sold as "acid" gives no color change with Ehrlich:

1. It's not LSD
2. It could be NBOMe (dangerous, multiple deaths reported at "standard" doses)
3. It could be a DOx compound (very long duration, 12-24 hours)
4. It could be a blank tab

Do not consume. Ehrlich-negative "LSD" is not LSD.

How to Run an Ehrlich Test

1. Cut a small corner off the blotter (~1/4 tab max). A full tab is overkill and wastes reagent.
2. Place on a white ceramic plate.
3. Add ONE drop of Ehrlich reagent.
4. Wait. LSD can take 3-5 minutes to develop. Don't read results at 30 seconds.
5. Purple/pink = indole present = likely LSD or tryptamine. No color = NOT LSD.

The Melatonin False Positive

Melatonin also contains an indole ring. Some blotters have been found with melatonin instead of LSD. Ehrlich can't tell the difference between LSD and melatonin, both turn purple.

How to rule out melatonin: LSD also reacts with Hofmann reagent (blue). Melatonin does not. If you're concerned about this edge case, add Hofmann reagent as a second test.

Testing Other Forms

• Liquid LSD: Place one drop on the plate, add one drop Ehrlich.
• Gel tabs: Cut a tiny piece, same process as blotter.
• Powder (DMT, mushrooms): Grain of rice size sample. Ehrlich directly on the powder.
• Microdots: Crush slightly, add Ehrlich.

When to Use Multiple Reagents

Ehrlich is the first-line test for LSD, but it's best practice to confirm with a second reagent:

1. Ehrlich, confirms indole ring (purple = likely LSD)
2. Hofmann, second confirmation (blue = LSD, rules out melatonin)
3. Marquis, NBOMe turns orange/brown with Marquis

This three-reagent protocol costs ~$30 and gives you near-certainty on what's on your blotter.

Bottom Line

Ehrlich is the single most important reagent for LSD users. If it doesn't turn purple, don't take it. One drop, five minutes, could save your life.

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