Presence of which coloration is an early sign of epinephrine decomposition?

• A. Pink
• B. Brown
• C. Green
• D. Yellow

Answer: (A)

Epinephrine is highly unstable in solution and oxidizes readily when exposed to air, light, or basic conditions. As it begins to decompose, one of the first oxidation products is adrenochrome, which imparts a pink color to the solution. This pink hue signals the early stage of degradation. If oxidation continues, the color deepens to brown as more products form and polymerize, indicating more advanced decomposition and greater loss of potency. Green or yellow colors aren’t the typical early signs for epinephrine degradation.