Preparation of Sodium GHB using Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda, NaHCO3)
Add 273 g NaHCO3 (3.25 moles) to 1125 mL distilled water in a glass container. Slowly bring the solution to a boil while
stirring with a glass rod or similar. All of the baking soda will dissolve. Carbon dioxide will be seen leaving the
solution as it comes to a boil. This is the sodium bicarbonate breaking down into a slightly strong base,
sodium carbonate:
2 NaHCO3 -> Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
Reduce the heat to a light boil, and slowly add 250ml gamma-Butyrolactone (280g, 3.25 moles). The addition is not
immediately exothermic as with the sodium hydroxide synthesis. Keep this solution at a light boil for 30 minutes.
Check the pH with universal pH paper. We are aiming for a pH around 7, but anything 6 to 8 is perfectly safe. If the
pH is too high, add a small amount more GBL and continue to reflux.
The solution will be perfectly clear and should be absolutely colorless. If it is not perfectly colorless, i.e. if
slightly impure butyrolactone was used and the solution has taken on a light yellow color, add about 100 mL of activated
charcoal. Allow this to boil for 10 minutes. Cool the solution then filter, washing the activated charcoal two or three
times with 50 ml portions of cold water. 410g of NaGHB will be made in this synthesis. This solution can be concentrated
to about 50% NaGHB before it will start to crystallize. If you wish for a powder, heat until the temperature of the
solution reaches 150°C then pour onto a flexible metal sheet and allow it to cool and solidify.
This synthesis is perfect for use where there is no ACS, Food or Electronics grade sodium hydroxide available.
