By Admin (Admin) on Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 12:27 pm: Edit

Name: N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
Chemical Name: N,N-Dimethyl-1H-indole-3-ethanamine
Alternative Chemical Names: 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyle]indole, DMT
Chemical Formula: C12H16N2
Molecular Weight: 188.27
Melting Point: 44.6-44.8° (crystals)
Boiling Point: 60-80° (crystals)

Dosages: 4-30mg (intravenously)
60-100mg (smoking)
60-100mg (subcutaneously)
60-100mg (intramuscularly)
>350mg (orally)

Controlled substance (hallucinogen) U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 Part 1308.11 (1985).
QT's DMT Extraction for Students
Version 1.1
INTRODUCTION:
By Quantum Tantra

In modern times there has been a reduction of ritual. The ceremonies, that previously served to cast out an individual from modern associations and throw him into a field of epiphanies, have become merely form, betraying the inner forces that must somehow manifest. Shamen know of these inner forces. They understand the inevitable overwhelming psychological experience that everyone will face if they are to complete their inward path to open the unconscious and fall in. The psychological crisis is the fulcrum of any metaphysical realization the individual may have about himself or his world. Without these intense experiences, without the rituals that convey the message of the journey, and without shamen to show the way, many are lost in the world searching constantly farther for what is contained only within. To chemically force such spiritual breakthrough may be interpreted by some as a way to circumvent the trials that are necessary to test each soul willing to see the truth of their life. But in contemporary society where is the individual to seek these tests of the self or to be struck silent in awe of their own natural beauty or that of the universe? The shamen offered these opportunities to the individuals of their society for generations, helping people maintain a healthy psychology between the known world and the mystical. I now offer this ability to you in one of many forms, DMT.

DMT is perhaps the most powerful hallucinogen known to man. It is related to LSD and psilocybin. There are no drug tests that would show DMT usage. None of the basic NIDA-5 drug tests or any extended drug test will show a result for DMT. DMT is naturally formed in the body and has been found in abnormal levels in the body fluids of persons suffering from schizophrenia. DMT is almost never sold through dealers, rarely synthesized, and seldom used. It is, however, easily extracted from common plant materials and has been used in various forms for hundreds of years (timeline.) DMT is not a "social drug" however. Respect the drug and it's incredible potential. This drug is not for the inexperienced, nor is it recommended to those who are just looking for another "high." Few seek the visions enabled through DMT, and even fewer return to them. Even avid psychedelic users have had frightening experiences with DMT on their first encounter with the drug. Take care to research and find out if DMT is for you. I stress that educating yourself about this drug (and about all drugs you intend to use) will make you a more competent and prepared chemist, tripper, and guide.

This manual is presented as a quick bench guide for the complete novice on how to extract DMT. Although the text and illustrations for the process were all created by myself, there are a few pictures which are not my own. The origins of these pictures are credited in the bibliography. I would like to encourage others to add to this manual their own written observations. When attempting to produce any of these products the reader is encouraged to read through the steps several times to closely familiarize himself with the entire process. Please take note that DMT is an illegal substance in the United States of America and is controlled under federal regulations. The following is for educational purposes only.

How to Extract DMT from Natural Sources
(in Ten Easy Steps)

First a plant must be selected that contains the chemicals we wish to extract. None of these plants are illegal and they can be found growing wild and free all over the world (much less can be said for some of our other favorite plants.) Most of these plant materials can be ordered through the internet. A little research may reveal a large quantity of some useful plant material growing near you. Alkaloid contents of each plant mary vary according to the growing conditions. Specifics about these plants and how to grow them are beyond the scope of this manual but the information can easily be found. Below is a chart of several plants that contain NN-DMT, 5-OH-DMT, and 5-MeO-DMT (DMT's close cousin.)


Alkaloids reported as (mg) per (100g) raw dried plant, and as percent of total plant source weight: Acacia bark
0.71% NN-DMT
Acacia maidenii bark
0.36% NN-DMT
Acacia simplicifolia bark
0.86% NN-DMT
Mimosa hostilis root (bark)
0.57% NN-DMT
Virola shoots & flowers
0.44% NN-DMT
Desmanthus illinoensis root (bark)
0.34% NN-DMT
Pilocarpus organensis
1.06% 5-MeO-DMT
Phalaris tuberosa
0.10% NN-DMT
0.022% 5-MeO-DMT
0.005% 5-OH-DMT
Phalaris arundinacea ('net gossip)
0.060% NN-DMT
?? 5-MeO-DMT
Psychotria species (averaged, from Jonathan Ott)
0.200% NN-DMT

N,N-DMT DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is one of the most hallucinogenic compounds known. DMT is not active orally (unless in the form of an ayahuasca brew), but must be smoked in it's freebase form to experience its effects. (DMT can be taken orally when mixed with a MAOIs, but this is not recommended for the first time user.) The body quickly builds a tolerance for the drug. Your DMT dose must be taken within 60 seconds. Any more of the drug after this first minute will not enhance the experience. It is recommended to give at least one hour before attempting another DMT trip.
5-MeO-DMT Effects of 5-MeO-DMT are psychedelic without the visual distortions found in NN-DMT. 5-MeO-DMT is taken at 1/4 the dose of NN-DMT and will overpower the NN-DMT.
5-OH-DMT (Bufotenine) can cause severe physical discomfort including circulatory distress, nausea, psychological distress (panic and fear), severe skin flushing, and has the possibility of being fatal.
MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) will intensify and prolong the effects of NN-DMT, however this is never recommended. Foolish combinations of MAOIs and other drugs can lead to serious health problems and even death. The tryptamines are normally metabolized by an MAO in the body. MAO metabolizes serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By inhibiting this, MAOIs increase levels of those neurotransmitters. Tyramine will not be metabolized and will cause an increase in tyramine levels in blood.

Extraction Procedure

For our experiment we will be using Mimosa hostilis root-bark to provide a very pure product of NN-DMT without the over powering influence of 5-MeO-DMT or the negative side effects of 5-OH-DMT. For a solvent we will be using common naphtha. Notes on adaptations for chemicals and other variations of this process are described as well. The following is a list of materials:
It helps to test all non glass materials with solvents to make sure there aren't any adverse reactions. 1. Mimosa hostilis root-bark (30g suggested starting amount - $45/100g)
2. Muratic acid (pool acid - $4/gallon)
3. pH papers (litmus papers - $3/100 tests)
4. Lye (Red Devil Brand - $5)
5. Naphtha (Zippo lighter fluid - $5)
6. Coffee filters and cotton swabs/cloth ( - $2)
7. Funnel ( - $2)
8. 3 labeled glass jars with lids (thick canning jars work best, but pickle jars will do) (labeled Jar A, Jar B, and Jar C - $3)
9. Evaporating dish (glass baking pan - $10)
10. Glass pipette (turkey baster - $4)
11. Goggles and gloves ( - $10)
Total = ~$100.00


STATEMENT OF HAZARDS: Methylene Chloride
Suspect cancer hazard. Risk of cancer depends on duration and level of contact. Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin and eye irritation. Causes respiratory tract irritation. May affect blood cells. May affect the central nervous system. May cause blindness. Avoid breathing vapor or mist. Handle with caution. Keep in mind these risks whenever substituting DCM for any other solvent.

STEP 1
Preparing Plant Material

Grind the plant material to a fine powder. The finer ground the material the better your yields will be. The best technique to pulverize and rupture the cell structure of any plant material is to repeatedly freeze and thaw it over and over again. An example of a plant requiring this treatment is Phalaris arundinacea, a strong and limber grass. Mimosa hostilis root-bark is easily pulverized to a fine powder in a blender, releasing a pink haze.

A. First place the grass clippings in the freezer over night.
B. Remove them and place the frozen clippings into a blender. Try and liquefy the clippings as much as possible while they are frozen.
C. Repeat this process of freezing, thawing, and blending with the plant material several times for best results.




STEP 2
Acidify Water to pH 2
Take two pickle jars (about 20 ounces each) and wash them in the dishwasher to help sterilize and clean them. Label the jars A and B. Fill Jar A 2/3 way full with water (~15 ounces, or ~500ml filtered preferable.) Pour 1/2 teaspoon (~2ml) of acid into Jar A. Test the pH of the water in Jar A. The pH of the water should read 2 If not, add more water to dilute (5% acidity). There are many sources of acid: (Always add acid into water, not water into acid.)
A. Distilled white vinegar (5% acidity, ~2 cups, or 500ml for every 50g root- bark) or lemon juice.
B. Muratic acid from pool shop (10ml 30% HCl to 1 liter water is recommended.)
C. Reagent grade hydrochloric and sulfuric acid (over-poweringly potent without dilution.)

Add powdered root-bark to Jar B.


Lab Notes:
Proper method of testing pH with pH papers; Use a glass stirring rod (or something that won't corrode with acid) to stir the acidic solution. Dab the pH paper with the stirring rod lightly. To save pH paper, you can cut only a small section of strip for a single test. If a pH meter or pH papers are unavailable there are certain organic sources that produce antocyanines which change color with different pH ranges. Red beats or red cabbage may be used to produce a rough estimate of pH range. This is not always recommended, but it works. To create the indicator solution, blend or grind either red beats or red cabbage. Strain off the juice from the pulp and filter out any remaining plant material. If not enough pigment is found, try extracting more with water from the mushy pulp. If there is too much pigment, simply dilute solution with water. Indicator solution produced has a short shelf life but can be stored in a refrigerator for several weeks. Below is a rough pH chart for reference: (litmus paper comes with its own pH chart.


STEP 3
Convert Alkaloids to Salts

Using a pipette (or turkey baster) transfer enough acidified water from Jar A into Jar B to cover the root-bark in the bottom of Jar B (~8 ounces, or 250ml acidified water into Jar B.) When the acid reacts with the root-bark, it converts the alkaloids (elf-spice) into salts. To help facilitate this process we can:
A. Periodically shake the contents of the jar. This helps more root-bark come in contact with the acid.
B. The weaker the acid, the longer it should be heated for. Do not allow evaporation of the liquid inside. Do not boil. Maintain temperature below 50° C or 122° F. Since we are using pickle jars, and not pyrex, they can shatter easily if heated or cooled too quickly. It is recommended using a double boiler with hot (not boiling) water to warm the solution. To cool, simply turn off the heat source and allow the solution to slowly return to room temperature.
1. When using muratic acid, heat the jar for 15-30 minutes.
2. When using weaker acids, simmer the contents overnight.

Allow the contents of the jar 24 hours to react the first time. The alkaloids (tryptamines) are converted into salts and become water soluble. Our elf-spice is now contained in the aqueous solution.



STEP 4
Filtration

Plug the bottom of the funnel with cotton balls or cotton cloth to create a cotton-filter. Pour the contents of Jar B through the funnel and into Jar C. Squeeze the root-bark contents inside the filter to press out the remaining juices. Save the root-bark that has been caught by the filter and place it back into Jar B.
Lab Notes:
Whether filtering material through a cotton-filter or a coffee filter it helps if the thinner parts of the solution are filtered first, followed by the mushy and more bulky components (which may clog the pores of your filters as you strain.) The better your filtration, the more rapid and efficient your emulsions, also resulting in a cleaner product. Cotton must be specifically used. Other fibers have the potential to react with our solvents. A tea strainer (wire strain) can be a simple way to separate bulk ruffage. Another way to improve this method is to use a vacuum filter. There are several varieties, the most affordable being a water vacuum filter that attaches to a household faucet. These cost about $30.00 and are very quick, useful and effective.



STEP 5
Collect 3 Extractions
Repeat the process outlined in STEPS 2, 3, and 4, two more times. The initial extraction is most important. For best results, allow the contents of the jar more time to react during the remaining two extractions. Shake Jar B, 4 times a day, for 1 week before filtering each time through a cotton-filter. Collect the acidic contents in Jar C each time. After these initial 3 cotton-filtration cycles, clean Jar A and Jar B, and dispose of remaining root-bark.
After all 3 extraction phases, filter the contents of Jar C again, this time using a paper coffee-filter instead of a cotton filter.
A. Place several paper-filters (coffee filters) in the bottom of the funnel.
B. Strain contents of Jar C through the paper-filters and into Jar B.
C. When finished, clean Jar C.


Repeat this process as necessary to remove as many of the particulates from our solution as possible.
Lab Notes:
The majority of the alkaloids we are searching for will convert to salts in the first extraction phase. The second and third extraction phases take place over a longer period of time. This will ensure that we will be able to extract as many alkaloids as possible from our material. The third phase can be reduced to 1-2 days but will not produce the best yields. Remember, these measurements are all crude estimates.



STEP 6
Defatting
Next we defat the solution. This is part of standard lab procedure whenever extracting alkaloids of this sort. This process removes the oils, fats, and other unwanted substances from our aqueous solution and also helps with yields. All DMT salts are insoluble in non-polar solvents -- with the exception of DMT acetate -- which is soluble in chlorinated non-polar solvents such as chloroform and DCM. Thus if you are using white vinegar (acetic acid) as your acid, you will need to use naptha or ether to defat as chloroform or DCM would extract the DMT acetate along with the oils and fats, defeating the purpose of this step.When using mimosa hostilis root-bark you may find this step unnecessary, however, any plant material foliage containing chlorophyl it is strongly recommended. To do this we add an organic (non-polar) solvent to the acidic solution. Before using any solvents test a significant amount (~500ml) of the solvent by evaporating it in a dish. This will verify that there are no residues or orders left when evaporation is complete (commonly found in many over-the-counter solvents.) Later in the procedure (STEP 10) you will be evaporating this solvent to leave a smokable form of DMT. Anything your solvent contributes, you may be smoking in the final product. Below are listed several more common organic non-polar solvents.
A. Naphtha:
Coleman fuel, VM&P naphtha, Zippo, or lighter fluid. Evaporate a small amount in a dish and inspect the residue if you are unsure of it's contaminants. If used for the extraction phase instead of the defatting phase, warm naphtha will extract alkaloids much better than cool naphtha. Naphtha is considered more selective for catching these alkaloids than DCM. Naphtha rises to the top of the jar.
B. Methylene Chloride:
Also known as DCM or dichloromethane. Often used as an adhesive solvent for acrylics. Pure DCM can be found in craft stores. DCM must be distilled first from all non-flammable paint strippers beforehand (they contain a paste that holds several unwanted substances.) The paint stripper may also contain methanol (most marine grade paint strippers are 80-90% DCM. Methanol is also an organic solvent. DCM distills at 47° C or 116° F. Pure DCM is best. May cause cancer and blindness. Take necessary precautions. Methylene chloride sinks to the bottom of the jar.
C. Ether:
Contained in engine-starting fluid purchased at automotive stores. To remove liquid ether from an engine-starting aerosol can, spray the contents of the can down a 12 inch (~30cm) length of 3/4 inch PVC pipe. The ether will condense on the sides of the pipe and fall into the jar, while the inert propellant will be released into the air. Ether is extremely volatile. Ether floats to the top of the jar.
D. Chloroform:
Chloroform (CH2C12) can be purchased over the internet from arts and crafts warehouses. It has a tendency to be harsh on organics and has a boiling range of 35-65°C (95-149° F). Chloroform sinks to the bottom of the jar.

It is important to remember what type of organic solvent you use. For our defatting process we will use naphtha.

Add to Jar B ~50-100ml (~2-3.5 ounces) naphtha. (Only 10-15% the volume of our acidic solution is enough naphtha for this step. Visualize what 10% of the total of the solution is and add that amount of naphtha into the jar.) Cap the lid on Jar B and shake the contents vigorously for 20 minutes. Set Jar B aside and allow for emulsion (foam, bubbles, solutions, particles, etc.) to separate into two distinct layers (much like oil and water will separate.) This may take ~24 hours (48 in some cases.) The oils and fats will migrate into the non-polar solvent layer leaving our alkaloids in the aqueous solution. Since we are using naphtha, the solvent layer will rise to the top of Jar B. Using a pipette (or turkey baster) remove the solvent layer and discard.

Repeat defatting process 2 times.
Lab Notes:

A separatory funnel is very handy for dividing and eliminating layers of solutions. This device consists of a single chamber with a tapered bottom. On the bottom is a closed faucet. The container is filled with the two solutions and they are mixed. After mixing, the apparatus is set aside until both fluids separate into two distinct layers. The lower fraction of the fluids can be drained via the bottom faucet and into a container for preservation or to discard. A quick separatory funnel can be made by filling a Ziplock plastic baggie with your mixtures, and hanging it from one corner. When the layers have separated, the bottom corner of the bag is pinched and then cut for drainage. It is suggested to test the baggie to make sure your solvents will not melt it.


STEP 7
Prepare to Basify
In this step we will be preparing the solution for the alkaloids migration using a common organic non-polar solvent. For our solvent we will use warm naphtha (other solvents are identified in STEP 6.)
Add to Jar B 100ml (~3 ounces) warm naphtha. Shake the jar for 5 minutes.

STEP 8
Basify to pH 11
Now we must basify our solution. By doing this we will "unhook" the salt and transform the alkaloid into its "free base" form. The alkaloids will no longer be a salt, nor will they be soluble in water. This allows us to extract them with the organic solvent added in STEP 7. Ammonium hydroxide is normally used, but for our experiment we will be using NaOH found in household lye crystals (Red Devil drain cleaner) and purchased at hardware stores. Lye is very caustic and can react violently. Take the proper precautions when using lye.
A good mixture for basifying is 5g (~0.2 ounces) lye mixed with 95g (~3 ounces) water. The reason we dilute the base is to prevent localized pH spikes which will destroy the alkaloids in the area that we are adding the concentrated base. Create a basic mixture as follows:
A. Fill Jar A 95ml (~3 ounces) full with water.
B. Slowly add 5g (~1 teaspoon) of lye to water. Shake and mix contents thoroughly.
C. Test to make sure pH is ~12.


Now using a pipette transfer small amounts of solution in Jar A into Jar B.
A. Stir and check the pH of contents in Jar B after each transfer of lye solution until the solution in Jar B reaches a pH of ~11-12.
B. Shake the jar but be careful of pressure that will build up inside the jar. Release the lid and vent often! The solution will change a gray color as the alkaloids are turned from acid salts to free base. It may resemble a thick gel. Then the solution will turn black and slippery as you add more base. The jar will heat up during this process.


You have now formed the free base alkaloids that are soluble in non-polar solvents.


STEP 9
Emulsions
As these alkaloids dissolve in non-polar solvent added in STEP 7, an emulsion will form. The strength of emulsion formed is directly proportional to the strength of stirring. Heavy, rapid stirring produces a thick emulsion that takes up to 4 days to settle out. Light, slow stirring over a longer period of time produces and emulsion that separates quickly without affecting the yield. Let the jar sit overnight until the emulsion has separated into two distinct layers. If emulsion has not cleared in 48 hours, try the following:
A. Sometimes adding a lot of salt and gentle stirring will make the polar layer more polar and help with emulsions.
B. Add more organic solvent.
C. Filter solutions again through a cotton filter several times. A paper filter will not work.
B. Test and increase the pH.

The naphtha will create a thick orange emulsion with small bubbles that sometimes takes over 48 hours to separate. Always wait a few days before trying other methods to break down the emulsion. Keeping the naphtha warm will increase the amount of alkaloids it carries with it during each extraction. To help keep the jar warm, place it in a pot surrounded by warm water. Naphtha floats. If DCM is used for our extraction solvent in STEP 7, we will have a faster resolving emulsion than naphtha (less than an hour in some cases.) The solvent will turn a darker color, usually reddish-brown or yellow. DCM sinks. Allow a minimum of 24 hours for the contents of the jar to react completely. If using methanol allow a minimum of 4 days warmed to room-temperature for reactions to complete.

Using a pipette remove the corresponding solvent layer from Jar B and save it in Jar A.



STEP 10
Final Alkaloid Extraction and Evaporation
Repeat STEP 7 and STEP 9 (in that order) 2 times. Our elf-spice falls from the basified aqueous solution and into our solvent.
The combined solvent fractions from our solvent extractions should now be in Jar A. Pour contents of Jar A into a glass baking dish. Allow for the solvent to evaporate. Evaporation may take up to one week (depending on your solvent.) During this time keep dish with solvent away from heat or open flame.

The remaining substance may resemble anything from a sticky orangish goo to white or pale-orange crystals, depending on how well you followed the procedure. Scrape up this substance from the baking pan with a razor. About 25mg is a good starting amount (try about the size of a pea.) Assuming best yields you could get 5-6 doses (275mg) from 30g mimosa hostilis root-bark. You will know when DMT is in the final product by the smell. DMT has a distinct synthetic smell, almost like some manufactured plastics.
"Don't worry about weighing it. Smoke it 'til your high, then save the rest for next time. Remember the flame should never touch the dmt, just the glass that's holding the dmt. Just heat up the "bulb" and gets to toking. Slow & steady, deep inhalation, hold the smoke 'til you burst. If nothing after 1st hit, huge toke again, etc. The 3rd toke will usually be the one."
Lab Notes:

After DCM has evaporated your product may contain trace amounts of hydroxide. Some find hydroxide to be unpleasant in the final product. To help reduce this try washing the DMT crystals in water, and letting the water evaporate. Water can be added to the solvent evaporating dish to help carry off hydroxide.