Ketamine Isomer Crystallisation

[Dioxy]

Good evening all

There seems to be an awful lot of confusion and speculation on the matter, but all the information on the matter I could find was either ambiguous or plain contradictory.

Can anyone definitively suggest what causes the two main distinguishable crystal structures of ketamine?
To give a starting suggestion;
- Is there any correlation of crystal shape with R and S enantiomers, or Racemic?
- Is it entirely down to the method/speed of crystallisation?

The caveat of this question is: is each isomer of ketamine identifiable purely from its appearance?

If anyone is unsure what I'm referring to here, see this image:
i38.tinypic.com/13zvcx0.jpg

In the UK black market, I am under the impression that only racemic and S+ Ketamine are available. Is this correct?

Thanks,
D.

 

[obscurus]

The only way to distinguish between the two enantiomers are by the optical rotation, as you probably know. Separating enantiomers is very difficult, but can be done manually by crystallization and separating the crystals into two piles. The crystals, like the molecules, will be mirror images of each other, therefore not identical. I guess if you have alot of time...

Correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[Dioxy]

Positive speculation
That suggests that a recemate would be indistinguishable, at a glance, from either enantiomer. If that's the case, what on earth causes the clear visual difference between the shard and barrel varieties in the crystals that we all know and love?

 

[The Chemist]

cooking procesess, slower cooking leads to more cylidrical crystallization, faster cooking leads to shards.

 

[Dioxy]

While I trust your judgement, can you provide a reference for that?

As an addendum to the first post, I have another question:

Can anyone (again, definitively), suggest which of either Racemic or S+ Ketamine provide the massively different subjective and pharmacological effects, respectively?

Which gives the "massive headfuck" and which is the "clearheaded and euphoric"? Or are all of these things fallacy?

 

[The Chemist]

the only reference i have is experince my friend

 

[Dioxy]

While that's a valuable resource, unfortunately that's what I've been struggling with since the beginning of time. Experience is not something I am without, although I've never cooked. What I require is evidence... But I thank you for your input. At least if a large number of us can testify to the same end, we can gain something.

 

[The Chemist]

true, i agree that while experience can--at times--be an inexhaustable resource, evidence to back it up can put the experience all together.