Chromatographic separation and assay of morphine in tablets.

A method specific for the determination of morphine sulfate in tablets was developed. Morphine is separated from the excipient and degradation products by a column chromatographic method. The eluate containing morphine is extracted into an acid solution and determined spectrophotometrically. Recovery from standard solutions is greater than 99%. This method is more specific for the separation and determination or morphine in tablets than is the USP XVIII procedure.