Here is a step-by-step guide on how to synthesize 5-MeO-DMT at home. Synthesizing 5-MeO-DMT is harder than extracting it from plants and requires some more advanced lab equipment. With that said, it’s still a relatively simple process that can be performed safely and effectively by people with a basic understanding of chemistry and lab technique.
Hamilton Morris released a video earlier in 2021 that essentially highlights a modified version of the Eschweiler−Clarke reaction. Using 5-methoxy-tryptamine as the starting material.
The reaction is very simple, involving a complete transformation with just one reaction. Lots of people tend to be interested in how to synthesize 5-MeO-DMT, but they think they lack the expertise or can’t just do it at all.
Once the 5-MeO-DMT is created, it’s purified, purified again, and tested.
Ingredients used to synthesize 5-MeO-DMT:
- 5-Methoxy-Tryptamine
- Methanol
- Potassium Hydroxide
- Formaldehyde
- Sodium cyanoborohydride
Equipment:
- Reflux condenser
- Reaction chamber
- Rotary Evaporator
- Thermometer
- Two addition funnels
The Process: Simplified
- Slowly mix 5-methoxy-tryptamine with formaldehyde and sodium cyanoborohydride
- Skim off the 5-MeO-DMT that floats to the top
- Purify through distillation and recrystallization
- Test the final sample
Step-By-Step Process on How to Synthesize 5-MeO-DMT:
The easiest way to synthesize 5-MeO-DMT is to find a source of raw 5-MeO-tryptamine freebase. This is a compound that’s entirely legal and available from chemical retailers. The price of this stuff varies a lot depending on where you live.
Step 1: Dissolve the 5-methoxy-tryptamine free base in methanol
The first step is to dissolve the powdered 5-MeO-tryptamine in methanol or another solvent to facilitate the reaction. This compound is readily available (legally), where it’s most commonly used to make melatonin. This molecule requires a simple reduction reaction to become 5-MeO-DMT.
Step 2: Cool the Mixture to 0ºC
Using an ice bath or chiller, the reaction vessel and the 5-MeO-tryptamine are cooled to 0ºC.
Step 3: Slowly Combine Formaldehyde and Sodium cyanoborohydride
Using two addition funnels, slowly combine the reducing agents into the reaction vessel. These elements should be added slowly while constantly stirring. This is a very important step on how to synthesize 5-MeO-DMT.
Step 4: Evaporate the Methanol
Gently heat the mixture overnight to evaporate the methanol. As the methanol evaporates, 5-MeO-DMT “oil slicks” form on the surface of the liquid.
Step 5: Purify the 5-MeO-DMT
Now that the 5-MeO-DMT is created, it needs to be separated from the rest of the elements in the mixture. Distillation removes the water, short-path vacuum distillation concentrates the crude DMT freebase. The final step to synthesize 5-MeO-DMT is to recrystallize the 5-MeO-DMT by redissolving the crude extract with warm methanol. Now leave it in the fridge for a few hours to form crystals on the bottom of the container.
The mixture is then filtered, dried, and tested for purity.