[zeliph]

I recently became aware that "2-Iodoxybenzoic acid," when used in a meth lab, can cause a "shock-type" explosion. Is this possible.

Here is the limited information I have.

-Iodine is present
-The mixture requires an organic solvent (I.e. Benzene or Toluene)
-Iodine breaks the bonds creating Iodoxybenzoic Acid (aka IBX Acid)
-The use of hydrogen peroxide and/or sulfuric acid acts as the catalyst (e.g. starts the reaction)
-If an explosion occurs, the product is more shock and impact than fire ball[/li]

There are two (2) known indicators of an explosive cook. First, liquids having bright colors. Second, increased temperature, denotes the instability of the mixture.

Any help is appreciated.

-zeliph

[movies]

IBX is shock sensitive anywhere.  That is to say, if you hit it with a hammer it can explode in a nasty way.

Also it's not soluble in most organic solvents.  You need to use something like DMSO or DMF to do the reaction.

And, it's not catalytic.  IBX is used a stoichiometric reagent.  When you use it in the lab, you just have IBX and your substrate in solution.  You have to prepare the IBX reagent from other starting materials and then isolate it prior to use in subsequent reactions (this can be the most dangerous part of the process).

You should never use a reagent as unstable and unpredictable as IBX anywhere but in a properly equipped lab with people who know the risks and details of the chemical processes you are investigating.  The "home meth lab" procedures are very dangerous to begin with, and IBX isn't going to make your life any easier or safer in that process.  What you have written implies that you have never read any of the academic papers dealing with IBX and probably couldn't draw the structure.  I would advise you to definitely NOT attempt to make this reagent.

[zeliph]

Sorry if my previous posting led anyone to beleive that I am thinking of using IBX, using illicit drugs, and/or manufacturing drugs.

I am currently investigating a new trend in Meth production that the New York State Police has been made aware of, which includes the use of IBX. A law enforcement bulletin mentioned IBX acid, and I could not find information 'elementry' enough to answer my questions.

I do not condone drug use in any form and will never use IBX.

I appreciate your comments.

-Zeliph

[movies]

Sorry if I sounded harsh, posts about nasty reagents and drug synthesis set off some alarms for me.  I hate to see people get hurt for doing stupid things that could be avoided.

I haven't seen anything pertaining to IBX use in the synthesis of methamphetamine, but I suppose it could be if you were a bit creative.  It's certainly a bit more dangerous to use than a lot of alternatives that would achieve the same objective, but it might be preferred because the ingredients needed to make it might not be as strictly regulated as the more common reagents.  I don't know that for sure, however.

I do know that whenever we have made IBX in our lab we always carry out the procedure in a fume hood an behind a blast shield.

Is there anything else you are particularly looking for with respect to this reagent?  I tried to be purposefully vague in my descriptions to avoid misuse.