a. THE ALKALOID IS LIQUID AND VOLATILE.
If, upon the evaporation of the ether, oily streaks were left on the watch-glass, a volatile alkaloid is probably present.
In this case, a solution of caustic potassa is added to the test-tube, the mixture shaken, the supernatant ether decanted[M] into a flask and the remaining solution again washed with ether until the last portion fails to leave a residue upon evaporation. The etherial fluids are then united, and two cubic centimetres of water, acidulated with one-fifth of its weight of sulphuric acid, added. This acid retains the alkaloid, which is now in the state of a pure acid-sulphate soluble in water, the animal matters present remaining dissolved in the ether. The ether, in which some sulphate of conia may be contained—although the greater portion of this compound would remain in the aqueous solution—is then decanted. The remaining aqueous solution of the pure sulphate of the alkaloid is placed in a test-tube, a solution of caustic potassa and some ether added, and the mixture well shaken. The ether is next decanted and allowed to spontaneously evaporate in a dry place at a very low temperature, and the ammonia possibly present is then removed by placing the vessel containing the residue over sulphuric acid. The residue now obtained consists of the alkaloid present in a state of purity, and can be directly identified by means of the reactions described further on.
b. THE ALKALOID IS SOLID.
It sometimes occurs that ether fails to take up all of the alkaloid present in the fluid treated with bicarbonate of soda. Under these circumstances the fluid should be mixed with caustic potassa, the mixture shaken, and the ether decanted; this operation being repeated several times, until the entire amount of the alkaloid is removed; the ethereal fluids are then united in a capsule, and allowed to spontaneously evaporate. The result of the evaporation may be solid; more frequently, however, a milky liquid remains which restores the blue color to reddened litmus paper; if so, the presence of a vegetable alkaloid is certain. In order to purify the residue, a few drops of water, slightly acidulated with sulphuric acid, are added to the capsule, and the latter turned, so as to bring the fluid in contact with the substance at all points; in this manner a colorless and limpid fluid is obtained, the fatty substances adhering to the dish. The liquid is decanted into a second capsule, the remaining residue washed with a little acidulated water, and the washings likewise added to the principal solution. The fluid is now evaporated either in vacuo, or over sulphuric acid, to about three-fourths of its original volume a concentrated solution of neutral carbonate of potassa added, and the mixture treated with absolute alcohol, which dissolves the liberated alkaloid, and separates it from the sulphate of potassa formed and the excess of carbonate of potassa. The alcoholic solution is decanted and allowed to evaporate in vacuo or in the air: the alkaloid now crystallizes out in a state suitable for further examination.
MODIFICATIONS TO STAS'S METHOD, PROPOSED BY OTTO.
In Stas's method, the loss of morphine is possible, for, if ether is not added immediately after the addition of carbonate of soda, this alkaloid crystallizes and is then no longer soluble in that menstruum; and, if the ethereal solution is not quickly decanted, the portion dissolved will likewise separate out in small crystals. In both cases, morphine will remain in the aqueous solution from which the other alkaloids have been extracted by the ether. M. Otto recommends the addition of chloride of ammonium and a little soda-lye, in order to dissolve the alkaloid. Upon allowing the solution so obtained to stand for some time exposed to the air, crystals of morphine are deposited.
According to the same authority, it is advisable to omit the distinction drawn by Stas between volatile and fixed alkaloids, and submit both to the treatment recommended for those that are volatile.
Otto also recommends the agitation of the fluid containing the oxalates or tartrates of the alkaloids with ether, previously to their separation by means of bicarbonate of soda. By this treatment the elimination of the coloring matter present—as well as of colchicine, digitaline, picrotoxine, traces of atropine, and various impurities—is accomplished. As soon as the ether ceases to become colored and to leave a residue upon evaporation, alkali is added, and the operation concluded as usual. In this way the alkaloid is obtained, almost directly, in a pure condition. This last modification appears to us to be a very happy one, inasmuch as it greatly facilitates the purification of the alkaloid present.