Problem with my extraction- Need a change of plan

[a.lurker]

So I'm in the process of doing thick-light's tek on some Acacia Confusa bark. I used vinegar and citric acids for my extraction. I've boiled the bark and I'm now reducing the boil liquid.

I just realized I am out of lye, and I don't want to order it online. I need to switch to a tek that doesn't use lye, if that is possible.

Could I just evaporate down my boils to a resin, mix with sodium carbonate to make a paste, let dry, and pull with acetone?

 

[Bigsuccabusta]

Roebic Laboratories, Inc. 2 Lb. Heavy Duty Crystal Drain Opener

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=146450-331-HD-CRY-6+CRYSTAL+DRA&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3465780&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=rel&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

It's a little bit more expensive than ordering lye online but well worth it since there is no paranoia factor associated with buying it. If they don't have it I would check out your hardware store, look at the drain cleaners they have, most drain cleaners contain mostly lye.

 

[RRunner]

You can also try PH Down/Up. They sell it at pet stores in the aquarium section. Supposedly the effect is the same as adding a base or an acid to change the PH. For chemical reasons the effects may differ from NaOH, but it may be worth a shot, if you can justify it on your tek.

 

[FungusMungus]

You could also do a dry tek with calcium hydroxide (pickling lime) sold in the grocery store. I'm not sure if it can be used in a watery solution since it's poorly soluble in water, but I'm thinking it will especially in warm water and solvent. I need to do a ph test to see. i think wiki says its 12.6 ph which should be enough.