Question

Which of the following alkaloids are found as salts of meconic acid?

• A. $ \text{Rauwolfia Alkaloid} $
• B. $ \text{Tropane Alkaloid} $
• C. $ \text{Ergot Alkaloid} $
• D. $ \text{Opium Alkaloid} $

Hint:

Meconic acid is a key marker of natural opium — forming stable salts with its alkaloids.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

- Opium alkaloids, such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are typically found in nature as salts of meconic acid.
- Meconic acid is a non-nitrogenous organic acid unique to opium (Papaver somniferum).
- The presence of meconic acid is used to identify opium alkaloids using Ferric chloride test, which gives a deep red color.