Meconic Acid

• CAT Number: R022114
• CAS Number: 497-59-6
• Molecular Formula: C7H4O7
• Molecular Weight: 200.10
• Purity: ≥95%
• Synonyms: Poppy Acid; 3-Hydroxy-4-oxo-1,4-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylic Acid; 3-Hydroxy-4-oxo-4H-Pyran-2,6-dicarboxylic Acid; NSC 805
• Target: Ns5B
• Storage: -20°C
• IUPAC Name: 3-hydroxy-4-oxopyran-2,6-dicarboxylic acid
• InChI: InChI=1S/C7H4O7/c8-2-1-3(6(10)11)14-5(4(2)9)7(12)13/h1,9H,(H,10,11)(H,12,13)
• InChIKey: ZEGRKMXCOCRTCS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES: C1=C(OC(=C(C1=O)O)C(=O)O)C(=O)O

Meconic Acid（Cat No.:R022114）is a dicarboxylic acid derived from opium, structurally classified as a pyranone-containing organic compound. It is best known for its use as a chemical marker in the detection of opium alkaloids due to its ability to form colored complexes, especially with ferric chloride. Meconic acid serves as a key reference compound in forensic and pharmaceutical analysis. Though not pharmacologically active, its presence is significant in alkaloid extraction and plant chemistry research. It is soluble in water and alcohol, making it suitable for analytical and preparative applications.

Reference

1: Fairbairn JW, Steele MJ. Meconic acid and alkaloids in Papaver somniferum and
P. bracteatum. Planta Med. 1981 Jan;41(1):55-60. PubMed PMID: 17401816.

2: Helliwell K, Fairbairn JW. Isolation of meconic acid from Papaver, section
Macrantha (Oxytona). J Pharm Pharmacol. 1976 Dec;28(12):940. PubMed PMID: 12279.