1/4 mol scale in a 250ml flask: 21.52g A.C.S. butyrolactone, 21.00g USP baking soda, 86.09g distilled water.
Flask was fitted with mag stirring and a reflux condenser for 2hrs. A sample was taken out, tested the pH and it was neutral.
SAY WHAT?
The reaction was complete in less than 2 hours.
The reagents were mixed together as stated. The baking soda did not dissolve. As it was brought to a boil the reaction gave off CO2 as NaHCO3 turned to Na2CO3, H2O and CO2. Once it reached a boil the decomposition of NaHCO3 to Na2CO3 was done, and all of the solids in the flask were dissolved. The CO2 evolution slowed down, but was still present for another hour or two. The pH was tested, if there was any remaining Na2CO3 it would have turned phenolphthalein pink, it stayed clear. It was smelled, then tasted. Sure enough, it lost its smell of lactone and tastes salty.
Read Post 250972 (https://www.thevespiary.org/talk/index.php?topic=9046.msg25097200#msg25097200)
(Chromic: "GHB from GBL & baking soda", Methods Discourse) for the inspiration for this post.