Crystallization and recrystallization is a great method for purifying substances in and outside the lab. HCl bubbling in particular is used to precipitate methamphetamine from a solution as a hydrochloride salt.
Of course in gram quantities recrystallization from supersaturated solutions is unrealistic for purifying substances.
I think basifying and acidifying to produce crystals is a decent method though for smaller quantities to rid of things like baby formula or whatever else is cut into it, but it's a little dangerous to bubble HCl if you don't know what you're doing. Muriatic acid eats skin pretty well.
Citric acid, which can come as a pure solid (I'm not talking about lemon juice!), is often used by European heroin users to create water-soluble heroin. I wonder why I've never heard of it used in lieu of hydrochloric acid for certain things, as it would reduce the harm associated with operating a bubbler, and also make purifications more accessible to the lay user.
Perhaps there's some chemistry explanation that I've not been made aware of. I do understand it has its limitations, as it is a solid and dissolving it in water defeats certain purposes, but I suppose it should have a niche use at the very least.
Of course in gram quantities recrystallization from supersaturated solutions is unrealistic for purifying substances.
I think basifying and acidifying to produce crystals is a decent method though for smaller quantities to rid of things like baby formula or whatever else is cut into it, but it's a little dangerous to bubble HCl if you don't know what you're doing. Muriatic acid eats skin pretty well.
Citric acid, which can come as a pure solid (I'm not talking about lemon juice!), is often used by European heroin users to create water-soluble heroin. I wonder why I've never heard of it used in lieu of hydrochloric acid for certain things, as it would reduce the harm associated with operating a bubbler, and also make purifications more accessible to the lay user.
Perhaps there's some chemistry explanation that I've not been made aware of. I do understand it has its limitations, as it is a solid and dissolving it in water defeats certain purposes, but I suppose it should have a niche use at the very least.