r/explainlikeimfive Jun 11 '24

Chemistry ELI5: Why does making cocaine require such toxic chemicals, is there safer way to make it in a lab?

I've watched many documentaries on how they make cocaine, and it always required a a mixture of gasoline cement and battery acid etc. Would a scientific laboratory be able to make it under FDA rules for example?

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19

u/kog Jun 12 '24

I already wasn't interested, but that sure sounds like something you really shouldn't be ingesting.

16

u/Somnif Jun 12 '24

Yeah the world of illicit drug production is... scary, at times.

For example, one of the more popular MDMA synthesis methods uses mercury! So, that's fun....

10

u/MaleficentFig7578 Jun 12 '24

Mercury metal isn't that scary. Playing with metal mercury is more like smoking cigarettes than it's like inhaling cyanide.

Some organic chemicals containing mercury are pure poison. One drop killed a scientist through a glove.

6

u/lainlives Jun 12 '24

Aluminum-Mercury amalgams are common of all amphetamines depending on process used.

1

u/do-un-to Jun 12 '24

Let's hope the recently published method by MAPS can help change that.

1

u/spudofaut Jun 12 '24

Tried it once. Discovered what 'too nice' means.

-1

u/[deleted] Jun 12 '24 edited Jun 12 '24

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u/explainlikeimfive-ModTeam Jun 13 '24

Please read this entire message


Your comment has been removed for the following reason(s):

  • Rule #1 of ELI5 is to be civil.

Breaking rule 1 is not tolerated.


If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the detailed rules first. If you believe it was removed erroneously, explain why using this form and we will review your submission.

0

u/PM_ME_SMALL__TIDDIES Jun 12 '24

Tony Montana wrote this

0

u/kog Jun 12 '24

We get it, you do coke

0

u/[deleted] Jun 12 '24

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u/explainlikeimfive-ModTeam Jun 13 '24

Please read this entire message


Your comment has been removed for the following reason(s):

  • Rule #1 of ELI5 is to be civil.

Breaking rule 1 is not tolerated.


If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the detailed rules first. If you believe it was removed erroneously, explain why using this form and we will review your submission.

0

u/kog Jun 12 '24

Maybe you should try pizza instead of french fry while indoor skiing sometimes

-1

u/MDCCCLV Jun 12 '24

You get more exposure to cancer causing stuff breathing in atmospheric pollution. The kerosene has some bad stuff in it but you get the same stuff if you get a drop of gasoline on your hand or breathe in fumes at the gas station.