So I have performed extraction of mimosa root bark(30 g.) twice now. Both times I had smooth sailing all the way through defatting. After defatting, I add 100 ml of Naptha and shake 5 minutes. I usually get alot of bubbles, all the way up to the top of my jar (32 oz.). I have a base solution already made that has a ph of 12.
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Here's where I have issues and questions. I appreciate all responses.
1. In the first extraction attempt, I found that the two layers in the jar divided quicker than I thought it would...about 5 minutes after shaking (rest of jar filled with bubbles). So my question is: when testing the ph of the "solution in the jar", does the two layers that form effect the ph reading?
2. In the first extraction, I added way more than about 10 teaspoons of base solution to the jar because of the low ph readings (about 4). This turned the solution in the jar black as I went, then to grey as I added about 20 oz. of base solution. After letting it sit, I see that there are 2 distinct layers. The top layer though has clear naptha floating about 2 mm deep on top. I feel that is just the top of the naptha layer.
In the second extraction, I didnt expect to get a good ph reading, so I added solution until I feel I reached darkest that the bottom layer in the jar could be. After a few days it has divided into the same two layers as before but the contents of the top layer look very interesting. Very Sparkly glob looking material floating in the naptha. My question is: Is the naptha supposed to be a clear layer ontop of the very dark layer when it has separated? Is there supposed to be visible material inside of the top layer? (Pictures of basification process?)
3. I am afraid that the material may be fats and oils, even though I performed the defatting process 3 times with naptha. My last question is: Is there a way to ph test either the top or bottom layer (since I have them separate now) and get a reading that would confirm that the basification process was successful.

***********This is not my experiment below**********************************
I saw this on another thread...that is not when I am getting out of mine. Mine is definately not transparent.

You do not have to defat MHRB extractions at all in the experience of myself and many others.
I have not seen any evidence that there is any reason to defat this material.

Try not to worry, instead try to just complete the extraction. It should relieve you.

Add a gram of sea salt. In SWIM's experience it helps make for a clean separation of base solution and naptha layers.