TLC-UV densitometric and GC-MSD methods for simultaneous quantification ofmorphine and codeine in poppy capsules

Thin-layer chromatographic (TLC)-UV densitometric and gas-chromatographic-m ass spectrometric detection (GC-MSD) methods were developed for simultaneou s quantification of morphine and codeine in poppy capsules (Papaver somnife rum). Morphine and codeine were isolated by extraction with chloroform: iso propanol (3:1, v/v) at pH = 8.5 and by solid-phase extraction on Snap-Cap c artridges at pH = 8.5. The TLC-UV densitometric quantification was performe d by external standard method on silica gel plates using ethyl acetate: tol uene: methanol: ammonia (68:17:10:5, v/v) as developing solvent and UV dete ction at 275 nm. For the GC-MSD analysis, the drugs were derivatized with a cetic anhydride: pyridine (1:1, v/v) and separated on a 30 m HP5 capillary column. The quantification was performed using nalorphine as internal stand ard. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.