>>11121822Continued
I assume the cyanogenic glycosides are Amygdalin, which is basically sugar bonded to a Mandelonitrile group. Once dissolved, the Mandelonitrile group is liberated. This breaks down into benzaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide in the presence of an acid or enzymes. This is why I believe most people go for a cold water extract: sugar doesn't dissolve in cold water very easily. Sugar also doesn't dissolve in Acetone. Acetone is volatile so it can be evaporated cleanly and quickly, so it is the solvent of choice.
>Naptha washThis must be to remove any trace non-polars that could be sickening. I also believe that it helps to rid the extract of "microspores". Since the fungus that produces LSA for morning glories is seed transmitted, in theory there could be spores in the seed material. If these are left unchecked, given enough time and nutrients in the extract a mold/fungus will grow in the liquid culture medium that could be toxic. So, it improves shelf life of the LSA tartrate water solution if you want to stop there for only LSA.
>basify with ammoniaWe need to have polar soluble alkaloids become non-polar soluble. Ammonia also kills any bacteria/fungus that could be alive. It might help convert any iso-LSA to active LSA as well.
>Xylene pullKash's tek calls for Toluene or DCM, but I figured the point was a volatile non-polar that evaporates cleanly. Xylene is only one more methyl group tacked onto Toluene's benzene ring, but varies in the ortho, meta, or para position. Toluene can just as easily be used. Pure Benzene could be used. All fall under the BTX category, but which is more carcinogenic should be accounted for. D-Limonene would be a less hazardous hydrocarbon and better for the environment, but more expensive and less volatile [might not evap completely clean and could have citric acid or other impurities].
>lightly acidify the final extract solvent [water/ethanol]To help stabilize and improve shelf life.
