Analysis of poppy straw and poppy straw concentrate by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography

AbstractA method of reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography using an elution gradient has been developed to analyse morphine, codeine, thebaine, and oripavine — this last‐mentioned substance for the first time — in samples of poppy straw and poppy straw concentrate. Gradient elution of the octadecylsilane column was performed: the gradient was from 10 to 30% of solvent A (methanol) in solvent B (containing 67% of 0.5% aqueous ammonium acetate solution containing diethylamine, and 33% of methanol) over a 25 min period. The four alkaloids were identified and quantified with the aid of an internal standard.