Nonpolar Solvents and Cell Walls

[amor_fati]

First of all, isn't it true that nonpolar solvents like naphtha tend to break down cell structures? If so, were one to perform a straight-base extraction from powdered MH, wouldn't it be preferable to soak the powder in npt prior to the actual extraction? Even if this is not the case, past experience with DXM extraction has taught me that the best method for such an extraction in the case of cough syrup is to premix the npt and syrup to immediately maximize the potential for contact with the freebase molecules. Not to mention that this would decrease the need for shaking and stirring, perhaps?

 

[burnt]

putting the DMT in strong NaOH converts it into freebase form, making it more soluble in nonpolar solvents like naptha. its important that dmt be in freebase form otherwise it will not dissolve well in naptha. strong NaOH also destroys cell walls.

 

[amor_fati]

Ok, granted that strong NaOH solutions will break down cell structures, it seems that it would be beneficial to try to not only quicken that cell destruction but to also ensure that a maximum amount of the MHRB particles are exposed to npt prior to the actual extraction process. I believe this would ensure that when the extraction occurs (when the NaOH solution has been added) that a greater amount of converted freebase will move directly to the npt rather than simply into the aqueous solution.

This brings another question to mind: Is it possible that a significant amount of the freebase particles tend to gather more-so in the plant material than are in somewhat equal distribution within the aqueous solution? Perhaps a more sludgy solution that takes slightly longer to separate the npt from would yield a better first pull; more NaOH solution could be added gradually to separate it at a more reasonable speed if need be. It seems to me that the longer it takes the separation to occur, the greater the pull, and stirring seems to be a more troublesome and unreliable method than this. This method could also be repeated for subsequent pulls by straining the plant material and premixing it with the npt and then slowly mixing in the strained solution.

This method seems plausible to me and has worked for me on other extractions, so I hope it proves helpful in DMT extraction. I'd appreciate any info that could be offered regarding problems or successes occurring with such a method.