I have been using a recipe for hash oil very similar to the method outlined in Cannibis Alchemy- reflux with methanol/ethanol, isomerise,then separate with toluene... As with any alcohol method, this strips off a good bit of chlorophyll/waxes/etc that then have to be separated mechanically.etc..quack.quack.quack. ------------ So the question is this: anyone had any luck refluxing/isomerising with a more polar solvent such as naptha, and thereby eliminating the required separation later on? Any reason that isomerisation wouldn't work with something other than alcohols?
answered my own question: -PET soak/reflux for less time than normal alk method. -filter -isomerise. again for less time than alk. -distill off PET. **here there would be a couple ways to go: -ethanol wash if you are paranoid about any remaining trapped PET. -water wash if you are paranoid about any remaining trapped ethanol. I think the ethanol wash might be overkill. However, a water wash is probably a good idea- it seems to take a tiiiiny amount of 'impurities' out, and ensures a stable pH. A very light film on the water after separation, but that might just be a weak emulsion from the process, rather than actual water solubles. *shrug* distilled water is cheap. Using the more polar solvent would eliminate the tol/water separation from the process (i HATE toluene. its vile) and reduces the contact time, but i gotta admit- the low boiling point and high toxicity is a little scary, and warrants using a LOT more vigilance. *boooooom* or more realistically, a bad headache from handling the PET. disclaimer: don't try this method with more volatile solvents for the first time until you are VERY comfortable with the equipment/procedures using less dangerous solvents. Definite potential for 'undesired consequences'. Details left out intentionally.
