1. No.
2. For base is would be highest recommended pH because the more base you add the higher the pH raises. But anyway, there isn't really a too high. You want atleast a pH of 12 if you're trying to destroy plant materials. The more the merrier.
3. NaOH cannot technically transfer into the solvent, but if you shake too vigorously and dont let it settle long enough OR if you suck up some of the base soup into your solvent then you can
4. I let mine soak for one month before i do any pulling. I have tested times longer than that and have found no yield increase farther than a month.
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