Hypthetical LSD purification question

mk-1 · Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:00 am

Wanted to know why alumina is used over silica in purification of lsd?
any reason for this?

wyndowlicker · Member of the Month

This medium activity alumina is used as an economical alternative to those of higher activity levels. It is especially effective where activated charcoal cannot be used, due to its organic nature, or, where the cation exchange properties of basic alumina are desired.

Alumina
pH
Distribution
Bulk Density (approx.)

Act. II-III 10
50-200µm
0.8 g/ml

As to why one would prefer one over the other Im not quite sure of.Ill find out.Im not sure you can pack the columns with the same tightness only a powder could give you.Silica has too much surface area.Way too much chance for channeling.

Laughing

mk-1 · Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:43 pm

Hi windowlicker.
To me, it would only seem logical because of 2 reasons :
1. silica reacts with the material in quesiton, thus there is a need for some other adsorbent.
2. alumina is more available to the user.

So, does LSD reacts with silica gel? I think thats the question.

MK-!

IndoleAmine · Dreamreader Deluxe

It doesn't.

Some reactions (pyBOP amide coupling) introduce the carboxylic, amine and coupling reagent into the rxn vessel through short silica-packed drying tubes, to maintain anhydrous conditions...

The choice of adsorbent was just based on availability and advantageous texture (powder) of alumina compared to silica (granules) I think, with silica beads you would have to pack a very long column to effect the same sharp separation.

wyndowlicker · Member of the Month

Hey now,

I'd have to agree with everything you just said there.Its prefered for the shorter columns that can be packed.Silica isnt even coincidered as an option. Laughing

prankster · Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:43 pm

Post accidentilly deleted.

wyndowlicker · Member of the Month

HEy now,

Id have to say that yes chromotography does clean it up very,very ,clean.Although, It must be anhydrous.If there is any H20 in the MEoH or DCM it wont recrystalize unless its azeotroped with toluene to get it dry.Mole seives arent even enough.You can also pack another column and do it twice.Then it should be dry enough if you take off the MEoH under vacuum.down to the last few mill just enough MEoH to keep it liquid. Then transfer to a small beaker, this should if done right spontaniously crystalize BEFORE the tart is added.Yes before.Then you add your tart and crystals galore.You can recrystalize after drying but why?Its pretty damn clean at this point.But to answer your question as least amount of heat is always used as a rule of thumb when it comes to this compound.So keep its as cool on MEoH as possible.

maj · Thu Apr 07, 2005 1:02 am

It is used substancially in the u.s. water supply. When water/sand/crap/water is mixed with alum you will see the sedimintation fall to the bottom. It is a good cleaner for organic purposes.

wyndowlicker · Member of the Month

HEy now,

AL oxide will also dry those hard to dry solvents to bone dry.Its costly but it could be worth it depending apon the rxn.

W.L Razz