2022, Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part A
The chemistry of the vulpius test for morphine
Author(s): Sánchez-Viesca, Francisco and Gómez, Reina
Abstract: The interaction of sodium phosphate, sulphuric acid, and morphine, produces a series of reactions (Vulpius test) that is given for the first time. Protonation and water loosening of ortho-phosphoric acid formed in situ yields the reactive intermediate required to react with the phenol in morphine and produce the phosphate. Protonation of this ester and water detachment gives a cationic intermediate which originates a δ+ at the oxygen linked to carbon (Inductive effect). This causes polarity inversion at the ortho position and reaction with phosphoric acid via a concerted mechanism, thus a new phosphate, a dienone, and meta-phosphorous acid result. Aromaticity is recovered by enolization. A final protonation of the phosphate and water elimination affords meta-phosphorous acid and an ortho-quinone via a synchronous sequence. The latter compound gives the red colour of the test.
Pages: 11-13 | Views: 516 | Downloads: 209
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How to cite this article:
Sánchez-Viesca, Francisco, Gómez, Reina. The chemistry of the vulpius test for morphine. J Res Chem 2022;3(2):11-13.
