Total Synthesis II [Paperback]

Strike (Illustrator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 096582912X | ISBN-13: 978-0965829120 | Publication Date: August 1, 1998 | Edition: 1

The most comprehensive and detailed book on the underground production of ecstasy and amphetamines ever published. Step-by-step synthesis recipes with extensive detail are given for more recipes than any other book in existance. Plus, this book represents the first collaboration of the underground. Naughty chemists from around the world have contributed their favorite recipes and comments to provide the reader with massive insight and options.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Strike is an ecstasy and amphetamine chemist from Texas. Strike used to be very frustrated with the lack of common sense recipes and explanations for the production of these compounds. So Strike wrote it all down for others to enjoy. Other than that, Strike enjoys fishing, cooking and beer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 291 pages
• Publisher: Panda Ink; 1 edition (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096582912X
• ISBN-13: 978-0965829120
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #874,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Basically more of the same.But still informative, July 20, 2004

By 

JohnJ - See all my reviews

This review is from: Total Synthesis II (Paperback)

Well well,

After reading some of the reviews on this page, I had to put one in for the good guys. I would like to point out to possible future readers that yes, this book contains all you need, and possibly more. Most of the 'practically useable' recipies for the popular (methyldioxy-)/ phenyl- amines are here. Most of the speeds , xtc's etc.etc.
And that no, you don't need a chemistry degree to fabricate any or most of it.
But anyways, as I was saying, the thinking part of the book is also it's weakest element. I was a little disappointed at the very chatty character of some (read: most) of his procedural reviews. The author is more often then not guessing about a bit, and frankly, I doubt he has done his homework on some of the reaction mechanisms. Which btw, shouldn't be an excuse for you not to do it either. Some of the stuff in the book probably has been tried ,since most of it works fairly well. On a side note, strike is a bit lazy when describing the lab work, e.g. forgets to mention small details here & there. (f.i. don't boil ether without adding a drop of peroxide inhibitor, small stuff like that) .But anyways, that's nit picking. I did have some reservations about the 'make it yourself equipment' section, particularly when it came to 'pressure bombs' .Personally I'd vote against that sort of thing. (Making welds that withstand corrosive chemicals under >125bar & high temperature is a different cake if I may say so)

So in short, lot's of useable recipies. And in fact some nice 'total synthesis' pathways, very nice collection indeed. Even if only for educational purposes. Cute hand drawn illustrations, (how come nobody mentioned those ? At first I thought strike was a girl bcs of all the drawings.) ;) . A very chatty unprofessional writing style, mixed with some incoherent speculative ramblings, that are better ignored. Unless read for entertainment purposes. Sloppy lab procedures in general, but then again, nothing to become to upset about. A bit of common sense would help a lot, I suppose.

All in all, for $35-, you could do (a lot) worse. Combine it with something from the good uncle Fester. His equipment sections are marginally better then Strike's .

P.s. I to have come to understand Strike is locked up. So carefull carefull ! Seems the U.S. is the next Malaysia for druggies (or the next Paraguay for that matter). Best wishes for Strike. I hope he'll get through it.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on the synthesis of MDMA, December 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Total Synthesis II (Paperback)

Excellent book on the synthesis of MDMA and associated amphetamines. Great for the novice and more seasoned chemist alike with a lot of explanatory notes that seem to get omitted from a lot of journals. At least a couple of semesters of organic chemistry lab are still a requirement though; face it guys, there is no getting around some real chemistry knowledge if you want to even think about attempting a lot of stuff in this book.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You want to know how to synthesiz MDM/MDMA this is the book!, March 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Total Synthesis II (Paperback)

This book shows you not only how to synthesize MDMA but also how to synthesize all materials needed for the synthesis of MDMA. Its illustrated and has lots of good ideas. Great for a novice although I would recomend some collage courses in organic chemistry.