Cooking With the 'Pied Piper of Meth'

Summary

The script narrates a dangerous and illegal chemistry experiment involving the synthesis of methamphetamine, a highly addictive and harmful drug. It details the process from the initial preparation of chemicals to the final steps of production, highlighting the risks and toxic byproducts involved. The speaker, known as the 'Pied Piper of meth,' demonstrates a disregard for safety and legal regulations, even suggesting the activity as a 'playtime' for children, which is both irresponsible and alarming.

Takeaways

• 🕵️ The script describes a personal history with methamphetamine dating back to the late 1970s, referring to the speaker as the 'Pied Piper of meth'.
• 🔬 It details a chemical process involving the synthesis of nitroethane through the distillation of ethanol and the use of methyl ethyl ketone to form an azeotrope.
• ⚗️ The script explains a series of chemical reactions including the use of sulfuric acid to protonate ethanol, forming ethyl sulfate and diethyl ether as a side product.
• 🧪 The process involves the use of powdered limestone (calcium carbonate) to deprotonate ethyl sulfate, forming a water-soluble salt which is then filtered.
• 🌡️ A cation exchange process is described, using sodium carbonate to form sodium ethyl sulfate, with the precipitation of calcium carbonate as a visual indicator.
• 🔥 The script mentions the preparation of a reaction mixture involving potassium carbonate, sodium nitrate, and other chemicals, which is heated to initiate a reaction.
• 🌡️ A temperature of 130 degrees Celsius is specified for the heating process, indicating a controlled reaction environment.
• 🧪 The script refers to an 'Henry reaction' involving nitroethane and benzaldehyde, extracted with toluene and heated to precipitate phenyl 2 nitro propane.
• 🔪 The reduction of the alkene and nitro alkane is described, followed by a nephritin reaction that forms an unstable intermediate leading to the formation of P2P.
• 💉 The use of mercury nitrate in the process is mentioned, with a reference to 'mad as a Hatter', indicating awareness of its toxicity.
• 🚫 The script ends with a sudden halt to the synthesis process out of respect for federal law, suggesting an awareness of the illegality of the activity.

Q & A

What is the nickname given to the person in the script who has been involved with meth since the late 1970s?

The person is referred to as the 'Pied Piper of meth'.

What is the initial step in the synthesis process described in the script?

The initial step involves the synthesis of nitroethane by distilling ethanol from grain alcohol using a volumetric flask, with the addition of methyl ethyl ketone to entrain water in a positive azeotrope.

What chemical reaction is taking place when sulfuric acid is added to ethanol and boiled?

The sulfuric acid protonates ethanol, forming an ethyl oxonium ion that participates in an SN2 reaction, leading to the formation of ethyl sulfate and diethyl ether as a side product.

Why is powdered limestone added to the crude ethyl sulfate?

Powdered limestone is added to deprotonate the sulfate group, forming a water-soluble salt, calcium ethyl sulfate.

What is the purpose of the cation exchange process involving sodium carbonate?

The cation exchange process is used to convert calcium ethyl sulfate into sodium ethyl sulfate, which is part of the purification process.

What role does the coconut shampoo play in the reaction involving potassium carbonate, sodium ethyl sulfate, and sodium nitrate?

The coconut shampoo contains acetyl alcohol, which acts as an anti-foaming agent in the reaction mixture.

What is the Henry reaction mentioned in the script?

The Henry reaction is a chemical reaction where nitroethane reacts with benzaldehyde to form phenyl 2-nitropropane.

What is the significance of the term 'mad as a Hatter' in the context of the script?

The term 'mad as a Hatter' refers to mercury nitrate poisoning, historically associated with hat makers who used mercury in their trade and suffered neurological damage.

What is the final product of the synthesis process described in the script?

The final product of the described synthesis process is methamphetamine.

Why does the script mention 'chemistry interruptus'?

The term 'chemistry interruptus' is used humorously to indicate that the synthesis process is being stopped out of respect for federal law, despite being close to completion.

What is the estimated value of the final product if it were sold in ounces, as mentioned in the script?

The script suggests that ounces of the product are sold for around $700, indicating a high value for the final product.

Outlines

00:00

🧪 Dangerous DIY Chemistry: A Tale of Meth Production

The first paragraph details a dangerous and illegal process of synthesizing methamphetamine. It starts with the distillation of ethanol and continues with the production of ethyl sulfate using sulfuric acid. The narrative describes the formation of diethyl ether, a probable human carcinogen, as a side product. The process involves several chemical reactions, including SN2 reactions and the use of various chemicals such as potassium carbonate, sodium nitrate, and benzaldehyde. The paragraph also touches on the reduction of the alkene and nitro alkane to form P2P (phenyl-2-propanone) and the subsequent formation of methylamine. The speaker ends with a mention of the risks associated with mercury nitrate, hinting at the hazardous nature of the activity.

05:01

💰 The Economics and Risks of Illicit Drug Production

The second paragraph shifts focus to the economic aspect and personal perspective of the illicit drug production process described in the first paragraph. The speaker reflects on whether the risks and difficulties of producing methamphetamine are worth the potential financial gain. They mention the current market value of meth, which is sold by the ounce, and the varying prices depending on the proximity to the border. The speaker concludes that despite the product not being as high quality as they would prefer, the financial incentive is still significant, indicating a complex interplay between the dangers of the trade and its profitability.

Keywords

💡Meth

Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant drug. In the video, it is the central theme as the script narrates a process related to its synthesis. The term is used to set the tone of the video, indicating the dangerous and illicit nature of the activity being described.

💡Ethanol

Ethanol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H5OH, commonly used as a solvent and fuel. In the script, it is mentioned as the starting material for a chemical reaction, highlighting its role in the synthesis process described in the video.

💡Azeotrope

An azeotrope is a mixture of liquids that boils at a constant temperature and composition. The script refers to a 'positive azeotrope' involving methyl ethyl ketone and ethanol, which is used to facilitate the separation of water from ethanol through distillation.

💡Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a strong, corrosive acid used in various chemical processes. The script describes its use in protonating ethanol, leading to the formation of ethyl oxonium ion, which is part of the synthesis process detailed in the video.

💡SN2 Reaction

SN2, or Substitution Nucleophilic Bimolecular, is a type of chemical reaction where a nucleophile displaces an atom or group from a substrate. The script mentions an SN2 reaction involving the ethyl oxonium ion and sulfate, which is key to the synthesis of ethyl sulfate.

💡Diethyl Ether

Diethyl ether is an organic compound that is formed as a side product in the synthesis process described. It is mentioned as a probable human carcinogen, indicating the hazardous nature of the chemicals involved in the process.

💡Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is a chemical compound commonly found in rocks and used to neutralize acids. In the script, it is used to deprotonate ethyl sulfate, forming a water-soluble salt, which is part of the purification process.

💡Cation Exchange

Cation exchange is a process used to remove cations from a solution by replacing them with other cations. The script describes the use of sodium carbonate to replace calcium in the ethyl sulfate, forming sodium ethyl sulfate, which is a part of the purification steps.

💡Benzaldehyde

Benzaldehyde is an organic compound with the formula C6H5CHO, commonly used in the synthesis of various chemicals. The script mentions its distillation from an almond emulsion, which is part of the synthesis process.

💡Henry Reaction

The Henry reaction is a chemical reaction between nitroalkanes and aldehydes or ketones to form nitro alcohols. The script describes this reaction using nitroethane and benzaldehyde, which is a step in the synthesis process.

💡Methylamine

Methylamine is an organic compound with the formula CH3NH2, used in various chemical syntheses. The script describes the reduction of P2P (presumably a precursor to methamphetamine) with methylamine, which is part of the final steps in the synthesis process.

Highlights

The speaker has been involved with methamphetamine since the late 1970s, earning the nickname 'Pied Piper of meth'.

A detailed synthesis process of nitroethane is described, starting with the drying of ethanol using methyl ethyl ketone.

The formation of ethyl sulfate through an SN2 reaction involving sulfuric acid and ethanol is explained.

Diethyl ether, a probable human carcinogen, is mentioned as a side product of the synthesis with a distinct Wintergreen aroma.

The use of powdered limestone to deprotonate ethyl sulfate and form a water-soluble salt is highlighted.

A cation exchange process using sodium carbonate to form sodium ethyl sulfate is described.

The preparation of a reaction mixture involving potassium carbonate, sodium ethyl sulfate, and sodium nitrate for the synthesis of nitroethane.

The addition of tropical coconut shampoo as an anti-foaming agent in the synthesis process.

The electrolytic oxidation method is abandoned in favor of distilling benzaldehyde from an almond baking emulsion.

The extraction of presumed benzaldehyde using toluene and the subsequent Henry reaction to form phenyl 2 nitro propane.

The reduction of the alkene and nitro alkane using hydrochloric acid and iron, leading to the formation of P2P.

The use of a one-liter volumetric flask packed with aluminum foil for an undisclosed chemical process.

The amalgamation of aluminum with aqueous mercury nitrate, with a historical reference to 'mad as a Hatter'.

A commentary on the effects of mercury nitrate poisoning, including addiction and bizarre behavior.

The synthesis of methylamine gas using isopropanol, nitromethane-based fuel, and an amalgam.

A humorous and cautionary note on the dangers of mercury nitrate and its poisonous residue.

The speaker's中断 of the synthesis out of respect for federal law, referred to as 'chemistry interruptus'.

A reflection on the value of the synthesis process for knowledge versus the potential monetary gain from the product.

The current street value of methamphetamine, with a comparison between prices in Green Bay and near the border.

Transcripts

I like my map I've had a taste for that

stuff since the late 1970s the Pied

Piper of meth they called me you know

these little children down the path

[Applause]

coming off the bench for the first time

all season faster begins his synthesis

of nitro ethane with the drying of

ethanol from grain alcohol a volumetric

flask is charged with one liter of 95

ethanol insulated with aluminum foil and

heated methyl ethyl Ketone is added to

entrain water in a positive azeotrope

allowing it to be distilled from the

ethanol

she's distilling first down 93 sulfuric

acid is poured into a stoichiometric

excess of dry ethanol and gently boiled

sulfuric acid protonates ethanol's

oxygen forming an ethyl oxonium ion that

participates in an sn2 reaction the

oxonely loses water and the sulfate

attacks a carbon producing ethyl sulfate

but the rapid addition of sulfuric acid

and high temperature allows subsequent

sn2 reactions that form diethyl ether

which boils from the reaction mix and

the probable human carcinogen diethyl

sulfate a menacing side product

recognizable by its Wintergreen Aroma

just got alkaline deep red crude ethyl

sulfate is removed from the hot plate

and poured over ice all right now I can

start adding my powdered Limestone oh to

the ice cream scoop that's exactly what

it is an unknown quantity of ethyl

sulfate is treated with an unmeasured

quantity of calcium carbonate which

deprotonates the sulfate food forming a

water-soluble salt calcium ethyl sulfate

the mixture is passed through a filter

bag to remove excess calcium carbonate

squeezing out I don't know how to

describe the smell I'm tempted to say

Wintergreen I've worked in the

electroplating industry for 27 years now

so my sense of smell is not particularly

acute the filtered aqueous calcium

methyl sulfate is treated with an

aqueous solution of sodium carbonate

forming sodium ethyl sulfate the cation

exchange is visually monitored by the

precipitation of insoluble calcium

carbonate which settles to the bottom of

the bucket

25 grams of potassium carbonate an

unknown quantity of aqueous sodium

natural sulfate and 300 grams of sodium

nitrate are added to a round bottom

flask followed by a dash of tropical

coconut shampoo acetyl alcohol is the

anti-foaming ingredient that I want all

right and just let that sit on the stove

for the time being great

the mixture is heated to 130 degrees

Celsius and begins to Bubble lone pair

electrons on sodium nitrite's nitrogen

attack the electrophilic carbon in an

sn2 reaction forming sodium sulfate and

nitroethane which boils from the

reaction X

so for that after the failure of this

electrolytic oxidation Vester opts to

distill benzaldehyde from an almond

baking Emulsion the presumed

benzaldehyde distillate is extracted

with toluene in a step funnel and

transferred to a round bottom flask so

this is added 100 milliliters of

nitroampane and 50 milliliters of

ethylene thiamine Steve don't you weigh

anything out

the flask is heated on a stove and the

Henry reaction is left to run overnight

have you done this reaction before no

after sitting the freezer overnight a

solid precipitate which is assumed to be

phenyl 2 Nitro propane is observed at

the bottom of the flask that's receptor

flask with steel wall to suspend iron

violence add hydrochloric acid and keeps

the mixture in a water bath reaction

begins with an iron reduction of the

alkene prusum and Nitro alkane which

then undergoes a nephritin the nitrogen

Automotive is protonated to an

electronic acid and the medium carbon

the protein acid is subject to

nucleophile attacked by water forming an

unstable intermediate that loses

elimination of nitroxyl forms

nitrosoxide and P2P which after base

neutralization is distilled directly

from reactions

thank you

a one liter volumetric flask is packed

with aluminum foil using a

lignocellulous tamping apparatus Ram

ride to jam it in

nothing but a baby spoonful

the aluminum is Amalgamated with an

unmeasured quantity of aqueous Mercury

nitrate

you know Mercury nitrate poisonings

where the term mad as a Hatter comes

from

that person who's addicted to this stuff

you know I mean if he doesn't have it

he's fiend and he's a junkie it just

made them all sloppy and this sort of

stuff you know and they're they're

drooling and licking peanut butter out

of each other's cracks and that sort of

stuff and you know that doesn't sound

all that hot to me

it doesn't it doesn't

seems like you like that kind of thing

what drooling

depraved sexual activity well yeah yeah

so it's time to get ready to rock and

roll here unmeasured volumes of

isopropanol and nitromethane-based fuel

are added to the amalgam the reduction

begins immediately and the flask is

transferred to a stovetop a hose is used

to direct the gaseous methylamine

Freebase into the flask containing P2P

forming an immune there you go

methylamine gas getting pipe down in

there there's some methylamine for you

is correct

what do you think about opening a couple

of these windows go for it methylamine

is fun and easy to make I recommend it

as a play time for children everywhere

be concerned about the Mercury nitrate

on your toilet I'll take care of that in

a bit there it is poisonous residue all

over this house

one immune reduction away from

methamphetamine investor interrupts his

synthesis out of a deeply held respect

for federal law so this is chemistry

interruptus yes we came just about that

close to coming just about now it's time

to pull out it was my pleasure

given all this difficulty do you think

it's worth it it's worth it for the

knowledge for me more than well maybe a

quarter pound of product coming out at

the end you know because you know what

they sell in ounces for these days well

it's not always near as good as the

product I'd be cooking but still ounces

are going for like 700 an hour so that's

in Green Bay

if you get closer to the Border it's

even less

all right well I'm good to go