Detection and identification of morphine in adulterated opium samples by thin-layer chromatography

Abstract

Berber& aristata and Aloe indica popularly known as rasaut and aloes are the chief adulterants of opium. They mix intimately with opium and form a homogeneous mixture. Their presence causes interference in the detection of the morphine alkaloid. Colour tests and crystal tests generally fail. Even spectrophotometric analysis gives unsatisfactory results. An at tempt has, therefore, been made to detect morphine in the presence of adulterants. The present paper deals with the identification of morphine by thin-layer chromatographic technique. The method simplifies all the cumbersome techniques employed by earlier workers. Morphine in very small traces has been detected without any interference f rom admixed substances.