First off, I am a long- time lurker of the Nexus, but a first-time poster. I realize this topic belongs in the mescaline forum, but since I am new I can't (or don't know how to) post in that section. I have a significant amount of experience with STB and A/B extractions of DMT, LSA, DXM, and crude extractions of mescaline. I am gearing up to delve into the world of mescaline HCl extraction and I have a few questions before I get rolling.
1.) In the teks I have been studying, it is suggested that one salt the alkaloids out of the solvent solution using a dilute HCl/H20 solution, and evaporate. My question regarding this is; will a dilute solution of HCl produce toxic/ harmful fumes when evaporating? The tek I am planning on using recommends using 4-8 drops 33% HCl in ~355mL distilled water.

2.) In the event that this dilute solution will produce harmful vapors, would it be possible to use some sort of desiccant chamber to evaporate the solution? My idea would be to put a layer of DampRid in the bottom of a plastic tub with an airtight lid, place the evaporating dish containing the solution on top of that, and perhaps suspend another layer of DampRid from the lid. Maybe even put a small fan in the chamber to speed up the evaporation process. Would this work? Would the evaporating HCl solution react with the calcium or the chlorine in the desiccant?

I have read that HCL is probably the best way to go with mescaline, rather than using a different acid. I am mostly concerned about the risks of working with HCl. I have read a lot about safety measures that should be used, but I have always used ascorbic, citric, or acetic acid in my past research due to the fact that their use presents little to no risk.

I would greatly appreciate the input of anyone who is able and/or willing to help me answer these questions, thereby helping me be cautious and safe while expanding my research.

Hey Entheogenerator,

You are really over thinking this, but better than underthinking.

Evaporating a small dilute solution of aqueous hcl will not produce toxic vapors and is quite safe, no worries. HCl is wonderful for mescaline becuase the excess acid evaporates away instead of contaminating your product. While HCl is dangerous, it is quite safe with proper knowledge and handling, less hazardous than compared to other nastier acids acids like sulfuric, nitric, HF, ect...

Hope this helps.

Thank you so much! I am very eager to get rolling on this project and I think that was the last thing I had to figure out beforehand. I really appreciate it!