DXM extraction: clear ammonia alternative?

[Haddonfield]

In Australia clear ammonia is not for sale so I need a safe replacement that is fairly easy to obtain. Any suggestions?

Thank you.

 

[delsymfan]

If you have access to delsym you can do a cold water extraction for it.

 

[dread]

In Australia clear ammonia is not for sale so I need a safe replacement that is fairly easy to obtain. Any suggestions?

Soda ash aka. sodium carbonate. Take sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and put it in the oven at 200 C for 2 hours. This should convert the sodium bicarb. into sodium carbonate. If you use enough of the stuff it should be basic enough for a DXM extraction.

You could also get NaOH. Although I'm not sure if it's even harder to get than ammonia, where you live.

 

[delsymfan]

Other option is look online for a chem powder supplier which is probably every bit as much work as cookin your own dexter.

 

[Mr. White]

NaOH is available from hardware stores here in aus. go look for it.
Be aware that it wont be terribly pure stuff though, be careful

 

[benzopiate10]

ive actually posted a thread a few days ago about using naoh (sodium hydroxide) instead of ammonia. if anyone has properly done it take a look at my post and see if im on the right track - DXM extraction using NaOH. im almost positive i have a final product but its clear and im having trouble differentiating if the smell is menthol or the naptha..

 

[Chloralhyrate]

I found pure sodium hydroxide which is called caustic soda. Can I use this

 

[Black Rabbit of Inle]

In Australia clear ammonia is not for sale so I need a safe replacement that is fairly easy to obtain. Any suggestions?

Thank you.

Yes it is.

Alternatively, you can use cloudy but you will have to avoid shaking and give it time for the emulsion layer to dissipate

 

[Chloralhyrate]

So o an use cloudy but dont shake or just use sodium hydroxide instead

 

[sekio]

use sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. don't use cloudy/sudsy ammonia or you will fuck the extraction. soap is not good for separations.

 

[Chloralhyrate]

I only have powdered na-oh how do I get it to be liquid. Just add water?

 

[Black Rabbit of Inle]

use sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. don't use cloudy/sudsy ammonia or you will fuck the extraction. soap is not good for separations.

I've never had issues using cloudy ammonia in a pinch. Granted it's not the best, but it never fucks up. Although the brand I use looks like the soap settles to the bottom and isn't mixed properly, so that may be a part of it.

 

[Solipsis]

I only have powdered na-oh how do I get it to be liquid. Just add water?

Yes but be careful, NaOH generates heat when you dissolve it in water, if you would add a very tiny amount of water it could potentially start boiling very locally and cause spatter. NaOH is caustic like the name says i.e. corrosive so dangerous. Wear cleaning gloves, no standard thin little latex gloves though.
Never throw flakes on water, do it the other way around. Neutralize with a weak acid like vinegar when necessary (such as a nasty spill of sticky undiluted partially undissolved solution.)

These are general precautions, you will probably not need enough for it to be very dangerous - that happens only at scales that are a bit larger, but keep an eye out - IDK how much you are extracting.
Powder can dissolve faster than flakes or pellets so it is slightly more hazardous.

Here is our thread on DXM extraction - you should read it:
http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/threads/257562-DXM-Subthread-Extraction