Pharmaceutical Analysis

Chapter 11

Analysis of Alkaloidal Drugs

Alkaloids are the nitrogenous compounds of heterocyclic ring systems.

CHEMICAL TESTS

These methods are mainly used for the identification of the alkaloids but not used for the analysis of the alkaloids:

1. With Mayer's reagent (Valser's reagent): When the sample is mixed with potassium mercuric iodide solution, the formation of the cream colour precipitate indicates the presence of alkaloids.
2. Dragendroff's reagent or Kraut's reagent: When the sample is mixed with potassium bismuth iodide, the formation of reddish brown precipitate indicates the presence of alkaloids in the sample.
3. Iodine-potassium iodide reagent: When the sample is treated with iodine solution and potassium iodide solution, the formation ...