how to distinguish sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate

[2ruth]

im putting together an experiment to create spice completely of organicly made materials. my first question is the nature and methods for making sodium hydroxide or lye, iv found several methods for making potash or potassium carbonate, but every method iv found for making lye describes the same procedure exept for filtering through straw. does anyone have any insight on the nature of the two and could potash be substituted for lye? also are questions about the naphtha (sp?). could a 200 proof spirits of red wine alcohol be substituted for it, or is there a special quality to the naphtha? any help would be extremely appreciated.

 

[Enoon]

Hi 2ruth,

I can't answer your first question since I don't know what properties potassium carbonate has. However what makes lye work so well for extractions is the high pH value it produces when dissolved in water. afaik calcium hydroxide can also be used, though does not dissolve as well as sodium hydroxide.

As for the alcohol, the main problem with it is that it dissolves in water so there is no way to separate the dmt from the plant and base products that dissolved in the water to begin with. However there are some teks that use IPA or alcohol. Take a look at this post for example: Extracting DMT with ethanol, vinegar and sodium carbonate - Eco friendly extraction teks - Welcome to the DMT-Nexus
There are also some other teks in that section of eco friendly extractions that might help you on your way for your tek.

 

[Shaolin]

Potassium carbonate probably won't raise the pH high enough (pKa=~10.3)

 

[shanedudddy2]

What are the reasons you wish to use an Organic method? I believe it would just risk dirtying the product, and lower yield.
A standard A/B with Vinegar, Lye and Naptha is very safe imo, unless you completely screw up steps...and drink lye liquid of something crazy.