Sciencemadness Discussion Board

reduction question

mchemoneoone - 19-4-2011 at 00:26

When reducing pseudoephedrine to methylamphetamine via phosphinic acid and iodine does the pseudoephedrine have to be reacted in the the hcl salt form or can this reaction occur with the base? Can someone please explain to me why aswell? Before the flamers come out i dont want to know how to do it i just want the answers i aked for.

Thanks in advance

ScienceSquirrel - 19-4-2011 at 02:38

It will not matter if you add the base or the hydrochloride salt. Phosphinic acid is a strong acid ( pKa=1.2 ) and it will form a salt with the free base.