On the chemistry of Jorissen test for morphine
Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City (CDMX), Mexico.
Research Article
International Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research Updates, 2025, 04(02), 001-004.
Article DOI: 10.53430/ijcpru.2025.4.2.0029
Publication history:
Received on 24 February 2025; revised on 02 April 2025; accepted on 05 April 2025
Abstract:
The Jorissen’s test for morphine employs warm sulphuric acid both as solvent and reagent. Care must be taken in order to prevent morphine-apomorphine rearrangement. The species for sulphonation derives from sulphuric acidium ion whose dehydration produces the reactive cation HSO3+. Reaction with the phenolic group in morphine gives an organic sulphate. Interaction with a hydrion and water elimination produces a key intermediate. There is separation of sulphur dioxide, ketone formation, and formation of a new sulphate at the activated C-2 position. Isomerization of dienone to phenol restores aromaticity. Finally, dehydration by acidolysis gives rise to a concerted push-pull mechanism: water, SO2, and an ortho-benzoquinone are formed. Added ferrous sulphate and ammonia water originate halochromism: red to violet colour and the ammonia turns blue.
Keywords:
Acidolysis; Halochromism; Hydrion; ortho-Benzoquinone; Push-pull mechanism; Sulphur dioxide
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