GLC of morphine and co-extractants in the rapid analysis of post mortem blood

A qualitative study of over 70 drugs and related compounds was carried out. The study incorporated a recognised procedure for the analysis of morphine in post mortem blood. Stock solutions of the compounds were reacted with heptafluorobutyric acid anhydride and the derivatives were examined by gas-liquid chromatography on an OV-17 column using electron capture detection. The results were tabulated with respect to retention time, minimum detectable amount, and reactivity.