Abstract
In the Horsley test for morphine, to a hot solution of morphine acetate silver nitrate solution is added. Metallic silver is separated and the filtrate is coloured blood-red by nitric acid. In this communication the reactivity of both reagent and substrate was checked and commented. The first reaction is nucleophilic attack of nitrate anion to the carbonyl group of the ester, forming acetyl nitrate and a phenoxide ion. The electrodotic property of the last ion originates a secondary carbanion at C-2. This unstable intermediate cedes an electron to an Ag+ forming metallic silver and a free radical in the morphine molecule which is stabilised by coupling with another similar species, forming 2,2’-bimorphine.
Published Version
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