Lecture Notes on Chemical Processes

Introduction

• Discussion on the conversion of pseudoephedrine into methamphetamine (referred to as "crank").
• Mention of alternative methods for the conversion process.

Conversion Methods

1. Liquid Ammonia and Lithium Battery

• Effective but messy; liquid ammonia evaporates quickly, making it unsuitable for populated areas.

2. Red Phosphorus Reduction

• Ingredients Needed:
  • Iodine tincture (7% iodine, 3% potassium iodide)
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Hydrochloric acid (diluted)
• Demonstration Steps:
  1. Measure 100 ml of iodine tincture and dilute with water.
  2. Add an equivalent volume of hydrochloric acid (about half of the iodine volume).
  3. Introduce hydrogen peroxide gradually, allowing the reaction to stir for about five minutes.
  4. Use a magnetic stirrer for better mixing (not necessary).
  5. Observe the precipitation of iodine crystals at the bottom of the flask.

3. Extraction of Iodine Crystals

• After reaction, separate the reddish liquid from the black iodine crystals.
• Use a separation funnel to eliminate excess water and save the iodine in toluene solution.
• Rinse crystals and filter to remove impurities.
• Store iodine crystals in a sealed glass jar.

Red Phosphorus Supply

• Red phosphorus is difficult to obtain through normal commercial channels.
• Possible source: striking pads from matchbooks.
• Purification Method:
  • Scrape off and purify to get usable red phosphorus.

Alternative Method: Hypophosphorous Acid

Making Hypophosphorous Acid from Sodium Hypophosphite

• Materials Needed: Sodium hypophosphite and hydrochloric acid.
• Process:
  1. Dissolve sodium hypophosphite in water.
  2. Add hydrochloric acid slowly to produce hypophosphorous acid and table salt.
• Suppliers:
  • Can be found through electrolysis suppliers or via the internet.

Using Hypophosphorous Acid

• The process is similar to the red phosphorus reduction, but easier and less hazardous.
• Store hypophosphorous acid in the refrigerator until ready for use.

Cooking the Reaction

• Combine hypophosphorous acid with iodine and a source of ephedrine (pseudoephedrine hydrochloride).
• Apparatus Needed:
  • Round bottom flask with a condenser for heat control.
• Allow the mixture to boil for approximately 12 hours, maintaining a consistent low temperature.

Alternative Setup

• If traditional glassware is not available, use Pyrex or homemade apparatus with copper tubing as a condenser.

Final Steps

• After boiling, the solution should turn a golden color, indicating proper reaction completion.
• Neutralize the acid using Red Devil Lye (sodium hydroxide) diluted in water.
• Final product collection involves filtering and careful handling of the resulting mixture to separate the desired compound from byproducts.