Page 51 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)

Test of identity for morphine
1- Morphine gives with nitric acid a red colour changing into yellow by heating.
The colour is destroyed on adding stannous chloride.

2- Nitrous acid test: If morphine salt solution in hydrochloric acid is treated with
sodium nitrite crystals and the solution rendered alkaline with potassium
hydroxide. A rose red colour is produced.
(Nitrous acid test can be used for colourimetric determination of morphine).
3- Ferric chloride gives with morphine greenish blue colour (distinction from
codeine)

Assay of Morphine
-Colourimetric (Nitrous acid test)
- By non-aqueous titration,

Uses
• Morphine act as a narcotic analgesic in a dose of 5-20 mg of morphine

hydrochloride, sulfate or tartrate
• It acts directly on the central nervous system (CNS) to decrease the feeling

of pain. It can be taken for both acute and chronic pain. It can be given by
mouth, by IM, subcutaneous, IV injection and injection into the space around
the spinal cord, or rectally
• Maximum effect is reached after about 20 minutes when given intravenously
and after 60 minutes when given by mouth, while duration of effect is 3 –
7 hours.
• Toxicity : Minimum lethal dose is 200 mg, addicts tolerate higher doses .

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