Explain the general chemical test for the identification of alkaloids
Identification tests for alkaloids by precipitation method:
1. Mayer’s Reagent (Potassium mercuric iodide)
Cream or pale yellow ppt.
2. Dragendorff’s Reagent (Potassium bismuth iodide)
Brown or reddish brown colour or ppt.
3. Wagner’s Reagent (Iodine in Potassium iodide),
Brown or reddish brown colour or ppt.
4. Hager’s Reagent (Saturated solution of picric acid)
Yellow ppt.