Structure of Morphine

Morphine forms colorless needle- or prism-shaped shiny crystals that melt at 254 degress Celsius. Morphine can be identified by way of various color reactions. For example, with an alkaline solution of Fe(III) ions morphine gives a purple color. Do you have any idea what kind of complex might be responsible for this color?


Figure. The RHF/3-21G optimized structure of morphine.