THE ALKALOIDS 



3*9 



Constitution. 



Morphine contains one hydroxyl group and one alcoholic group and on 

 distillation yields pyridine and quinoline. Its constitution has not yet been 

 definitely determined, but is probably 



CHCH 2 



CH 2 



N-CH 3 

 CH 



It thus contains an isoquinoline nucleus and a phenanthrene nucleus. 



Codeine. C 17 H 17 NO(OCH 8 )OH. 



Codeine is also contained in opium. It can be obtained by methylating 

 opium and is thus a methyl derivative of morphine. Its constitution is still 

 not definitely known. 



Papaverine, Laudanosine, Narcotine, Narceine.. 



These alkaloids are present in small quantities in opium with morphine. 

 They are isoquinoline derivatives : 



OCH 5 



OCH, 



CH 3 



CH 2 - 



Papaverine 



or 



tetramethoxybenzylisoquinoline. 



CH 



Laudanosine 



or 

 N-methyl-tetrahydropapaverine. 



CH 



