Question

Name the drug obtained from the latex of this plant.

Hint:

Acetylation of Morphine $\rightarrow$ Heroin.
Heroin is chemically known as Diacetylmorphine.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Latex is the milky sap found in the unripe seed pods (capsules) of the poppy plant.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
This latex contains over 20 different alkaloids.
The most medically significant alkaloid is Morphine.
Morphine can undergo a chemical reaction called "acetylation" to produce Heroin (Diacetylmorphine).
Heroin is much more potent and addictive than morphine itself.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The primary drug extracted from the latex is Morphine.