I've been reading a lot about extractions and learning with practice were I can. I want to start extracing from some different sources for fun and to learn more about what I'm doing. I was interested in extracting from Cacao and Green Tea or Coffee. I read that Chloroform is normally used but wouldn't know were to find it. I aslo read that benzyme extracted theobromine with soxhlet, could I use THP instead? I also read that caffiene is not very soluble in cold water when saturated, could I precipitate this way after some defats maybe? Any help is greatly appreciated.

I wonder why you're interested in these extractions. I sure understand the "fun" factor but the desire to play around extracting different alkaloids, but why these? Water extraction will serve you well, as you may know. For isolation, a good solvent is needed like chloroform or DCM and then again some extra steps for further purification. In contrast, both substances can be bought off for relatively cheap prices.

If it is the sake of extraction and skill-honing why not try some other plant with more interesting alkaloids?

My idea I have is if I can get used to extracting from some different sources to get used to how the process works I can have a better understanding of what I'm doing and were it could apply. I have lots of cocao beans, green tea and coffee. The product certainly wouldnt be wasted. I understand the dry teks on this forum and can accomplish them, I did mess up a couple of harmala extractions though. I have plenty of extractions I want to practice with as well, I have some cebil I think I think I understand how to go about having read the teks over and over. I also have loads of Arundo donax roots, reed and leaf just have been hesitant about it until I understand what alkaloids I can work around and which I can end up with. I guess I figured coffee and cocao might be pretty straight forward and fun to practice with to get some experience.


How could one find dcm or chloroform localy?

Totally support the inquiry into 'legitimate' extractions for the sole joy of doing so. DCM can be bought as paint stripper in some cases. There might even be an industrial grade one that is available containing solely that. It usually needs to be distilled. It is very volatile and has a low boiling point so condense well and use low heat.

Chloroform can be made from big buckets of bleach and careful addition of acetone(under cold conditions and in a fume-hood/out-side). DCM is preferable to chloroform in my opinion. Much easier, less shadey, not as 'dangerous'.

There is a lot of information about this sort of stuff on the net. It is probably hard to purchase online however.