Lecture Notes: Chemistry Synthesis Process

Introduction

• Background: Personal anecdote about being the "Pied Piper of meth" since the 1970s.
• Objective: Description of a complex chemical synthesis process involving nitro ethane, diethyl ether, and other compounds.

Initial Setup

• Materials: Volumetric flask charged with 1 liter of 95% ethanol, aluminum foil, methyl ethyl ketone.
• Process: Ethanol is insulated and heated, methyl ethyl ketone added to distill water from ethanol.

Chemical Reactions

Ethyl Sulfate Synthesis

• Chemicals Used: 93% sulfuric acid, dry ethanol.
• Reaction: Sulfuric acid protonates ethanol, leading to ethyl sulfate and diethyl ether (a potential carcinogen) formation.
• Observations: Side products identified by aroma similar to Wintergreen.

Ethyl Sulfate Filtration

• Materials: Calcium carbonate, filter bag.
• Process: Crude ethyl sulfate mixed with calcium carbonate to form calcium ethyl sulfate, filtered to remove excess.

Sodium Ethyl Sulfate Formation

• Ingredients: Sodium carbonate, calcium methyl sulfate.
• Observation: Precipitation of calcium carbonate signifies cation exchange.

Synthesis of Nitroethane

• Setup: Potassium carbonate, sodium natural sulfate, sodium nitrate, coconut shampoo, acetyl alcohol.
• Process: Mixture heated to 130°C, undergoes SN2 reaction, resulting in nitroethane.

Benzaldehyde Distillation

• Materials: Benzaldehyde from almond baking emulsion, toluene.
• Process: Benzaldehyde extracted with toluene, added to nitroethane and ethylene thiamine for Henry reaction.

Phenyl-2-Nitropropane Synthesis

• Reagents: Iron, hydrochloric acid.
• Reaction: Involves reduction and nucleophilic attack forming P2P, followed by distillation.

Mercury Nitrate and Methylamine Use

• Setup: Aluminum, mercury nitrate, isopropanol, nitromethane fuel.
• Reactions: Formation of amalgam, methylamine freebase directed to form an imine.
• Safety Concerns: Mercury nitrate poisoning, toxic residue, need for ventilation.

Conclusion

• Interruption: Synthesis halted due to respect for federal law.
• Reflection: Knowledge gained is valuable, potential product yield discussed.
• Market Insight: Product pricing varies by location, higher near the border.