Evaluation of the mass spectrometric fragmentation of codeine and morphine after 13C-isotope biosynthetic labeling

All major fragment ions of codeine and morphine were elucidated using LC-electrospray MS/MS and high resolution FT-ICR-MS combined with an IRMPD system. Nanogram quantities of labeled codeine were isolated and purified from Papaver somniferum seedlings.. which were grown for up to 9 days in the presence of [ring-C-13(6)]-L-tyrosine, [ring-C-13(6)]-tyramine and [1,2-C-13(2)], [6-O-methyl C-13]-(R,S)-coclaurine. The labeling degree of codeine up to 57% into morphinans was observed. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.