Ephedrine → Methamphetamine

Participants

Reaction Steps

In the dissolving metal reduction method of methamphetamine synthesis, the ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine starting ingredient is obtained, often by extraction from over-the-counter cold medication. Anhydrous ammonia is obtained, typically by theft from agricultural supplies. Lithium metal is obtained from lithium batteries. Lithium metal is dissolved in the liquid, anhydrous ammonia to give a blue colored solution, to which ephedrine is added. The ammonia is allowed to boil off leaving the crude, free-base methamphetamine product, which is typically purified by common practice and converted to the hydrochloride salt.

Provenance & Evidence