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Shellite NPS pulling NaOH.

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Explorer2023

Explorer2023

Rising Star
Greeting everyone.

I would just like to share my observation of doing standard acid base extraction with shellite a non polar solvent.

In the past, after basifying the liquid and attempting extraction into the shellite, the NPS would turn a milky colour and assuming it was successfully pulling the alkaloids.

Upon evaporation of solvent being left with dry flaky fish scale looking crystals which do not burn or melt (much to my chagrin).

Noticing they're similar in appearance to the dry scale on the jars of basic solution I had.

I made a new solution of NaOH and water only, and added fresh NPS for extraction.

The same thing happened with only the basic solution, the shellite turned milky and upon evaporation it was the same fish scale crystal.

It is evident the shellite is pulling the NaOH from basic solution.


What are your thoughts and opinions?
 
_Trip_ said:
Have you tried a clean evap with the shelitte, to see if it evaps cleans?
Click to expand...

Oh yes it evaorates clean(ish) from memory it leaves slight clear residue on glass plate after evaporating.

Hmm perhaps the diggers company denature their products at bunnings. I've heard of it being done on other products for example methylated spirits.

I wonder if could use calcium hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide for basification?
 
Sounds indeed strange - but to be 100 % sure maybe try a pH paper.

Let your Naphtha run through a coffee filter first also, to make sure whatever you get a the end was truly dissolved. Then evaporate Naphtha and check what happens if you put some water droplets on that remainder. Should be deep (green-to-)blue, while Alkaloids would only be green (if they would even dissolve in water)
 
If getting NaOH from Bunnings u need to use the brand 'Bondalls'.. it is the only brand there that only contains NaOH with no additives.. the Diggers brand Shellite is fine, it's evaps clear and if no heat is used during pulls it is very selective and will only pull what u are after
 
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