One more thing, Na+ and maybe more so K+ ions can disrupt aggregation forces in the basic water when dmt has poor solubility (again, at high solubility aggregation cannot occur).
To keep the pH gentle and introduce these ions use a salt such as NaCl or KCl.
However, a big excess of ions many can lower the free water activityz reducing the already poor dmt solubility, and pushing dmt for aggregation. There is a balance/optimal amount. Against the max ion Tek is a good reference (~7% NaCl target).
So to summarize the theory:
- DMT xtalization is a complex process. Multiple xtal forms exist. Uniform xtalization is more likely during slow controlled conditions (slow temp reduction of solvent or slow evaporation of solvent).
- DMT can also aggregate (aka "polymerize", oligomerize). This results in non-xtaline arrangements that are waxy, have orange colors, and can even be gooey. It is easy to get this form, simply melt xtals with heat and cool.
- After basing DMT has poor water solubility and can begin to aggregate. It can also do so during the solvent phase, and even after xtalization (if melted and cooled).
- Multiple things can affect DMT aggregation. The max ion Tek parameters are a good reference:
Acid step:
- Details don't seem to matter. DMT easily de-aggregates.
Basing step:
-- 7% NaCl (max ion reference)
-- pH~12 (max ion reference)
-- DMT concentration in water ~0.3% (max ion reference)
-- Solvent present when basing?
Solvent step:
-- Lower molecular weight hydrocarbon could be better (slower xtalization?)
-- Naphtha not too concentrated? (~1% concentration max ion reference). Higher concentration can be OK. If slowly dropping the temp this condition may not be as important.
-- Slow temperature drop with minimal mechanical disturbances). Alternatively if starting with cleaned up DMT, slow evaporation.
-- Similar to the acid step, aggregation can be reset by making DMT more soluble (very high temp). However, only do this away from the plant matter as hot naphtha can pickup more plant impurities.
So there are a lot of factors and some interact. I'm sure some factors are missing too. Others may not be that important. That is why experiments should guide the way and assumptions used only as a starting point ready to be disproved.
When vaping, the dmt form does not matter for raw flame. For more sensitive dialed in electronic devices it can matter since the melting point changes with DMT form (xtals need less heat than goo).