Specific questions

[InFlames420]

I started an extraction a LONG time ago and it's really starting to bother me. I extracted a. colubrina using vinegar as an acid, lye as a base, and naptha as a solvent. When I separated the naptha off after adding the base I got no yeild. There is a lot of sediment type stuff on the bottom. What is this? If I let the jars sit for a long time a 3rd layer rises and sits between the naptha and aqueous solution. What is this layer? I tried evaporating it and it yeilded a thick brown/black resin that absorbed water like hell. The volume is pretty big so I thought reducing the volume might help. I had an idea to add some strong solvents like acetone and toulene to the aqueous solution containing the freebase alkaloids and some sediment. will this help? The only products i've been able to find contain nonylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol. I know it is water soluble and won't absorb alkaloids, but will it interfere with anything, like destroy alkaloids, change them....etc. I just can't seem to get the freebase out. Any tips, suggestions, ANYTHING would be VERY helpful and greatly appreciated. Thank You.

[geckopelli]

Perhaps the acetic acid (vinegar) wasn't strong enough.

Off the cuff, I'd say acitify the solution with HCL, and extract with water. Then start over.

But if it's been a long time, you may be wasting your time. In any case, you may well have failed in the intial extraction- and threw the baby out with the bath.

[EllisDTripp]

I agree, the vinegar probably wasn't strong enough to drop the pH sufficiently. I generally use the HCl/NaOH combination wherever possible, because the only byproduct created when they react is a bit of salt water.

[InFlames420]

Thank you. I'll give that a try.

[InFlames420]

acidify everything or just the solvent? If I acidified everything then added water wouldn't it just dilute the solution. Could you please give me more detailed instructions. Thanks

[geckopelli]

If you still retain the original material, then acidify everything, and start from square one.

The dilution of the solution will have little bearing on the base extraction.

But again, if much time has passed, the desired chemicals may well have been degraded beyond use.

[InFlames420]

ok, after i acidify it should be pH 2, right? Then just basify like normal?

[InFlames420]

I stared about nine months ago and stopped because I was having this problem, do you think it's still good?

[geckopelli]

I stared about nine months ago and stopped because I was having this problem, do you think it's still good?
I think you're wasting your time.

Chalk it up to experience and start fresh next time.

[InFlames420]

Thank You, I really appreciate your help

-Josh