Codeine colour reactions

N ic opine was first isolated by Dobbie and Lauder from the last mother liquors from the processing of the opium alkaloids after all other bases had been eliminated [1], This remains the only source of the base. The method of isolation has since been improved and the alkaloid can ho separated from codeine through the sulphates [2], The base was first allotted the formula C18H2404N and the name hydroxycodeine it was shown to contain one —OMe, one —NMe, and to be a tertiary base. Its colour reactions and ultra-violet absorption spectrum are practically idontical with those of codeine [1]. 

Haruyo A, Masako O (1957) A unified analyses of opium for main alkaloids by paper chromatography. Eisei Shikenjo Hokoku 75 133-139 Hiroshi S (1961) Analysis of opium alkaloids. XL A colour reaction of codeine and morphine and its application to colorimetric determination. Yakugaku Zasshi 81 865-869... 

Thebainone-B [xm] is best prepared as its hydrobromide by the hydrolysis of dihydrothebaine- [iv] with alcoholic hydrobromic acid [13], but it is also formed by the hydrolysis of the same base with mineral acid in aqueous solution [13], a reaction first reported to give an ill-defined substance, isocodeine [18], and later said to give a coloured, varnish-like substance [3]. Thebainone-B appears to be stable only as its salts in the dry state, the damp salts and free base readily degenerating to brown tars [13]. The ultra-violet spectra of thebainone-A, /3-thebainone-A, and thebainone-B closely resemble those of dihydrothebaine- and codeine, whilst that of thebainone-C is widely different (Fig. 8) and the frequencies of the carbonyl-absorption in the infra-red indicate that whereas thebainone-A and /3-thebainone-A are a /3-unsaturated ketones, the unsaturation is /3 y- in thebainone-B and thebainone-C [13]. On this evidence thebainone-B is allotted the structure [xm]. It can be catalytically reduced to dihydrothebainone [ix], in which the configuration at C-14 is the same as in codeine [13] (cf. the production of dihydrocodeine on reduction of neopine [xiv] [19]). 

Colorimetric methods for determination of small quantities of glycerol have been published based on oxidation and reaction with hydroxy-compounds, codeine being the most useful of those tested. Mikkelsen describes a method suitable for colour matching of from 1 to 4 mg of glycerol. 

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See also in sourсe #XX -- [ , ]

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