The "Max-Ion" Tek says that by increasing the pH to around 12 that you get a 99.9% conversion to the base of DMT. I'm wondering if decreasing the pH (during the acid extract phase) would have the same effect - i.e., would convert more of the molecules to the +1 ionic state?

Decreasing it from what? It may help to lyse the plant material, see the great pH calculator made by infindibulum attached you can play around with it. pH5 and below will get the vast majority of the alkaloids out however with other chemicals present in the bark will give a false reading so the value will need to be lower, pH 2-3 probably ideal.

https://www.dmt-nexus.me....aspx?g=posts&t=5725

Thanks for that link - interesting info.

The tek says to go to 2-4 pH, but is using vinegar or ascorbic acid. Although I haven't tried measuring, my impression is that vinegar (pH 2.4) and vitamin C (pKa= 4.2) wouldn't get that acidic. I was thinking of maybe using H2SO4 (pH 1) or HCl (pH 0).

Use whatever acid you like as long as it's below pH 4 for the reaction to take place.
Below 2 is just overkill and unnecessary.
Just be careful if using strong (non kitchen) chemicals. (and know your amounts)

Phosphoric acid is preferable to increase the ionic strength to a maximum. (just a few drops)

Phosphoric acid is awesome stuff ! I read about a simple synth to aquire it by reacting chicken bones with H2SO4. I'd love to try this when I have the time =]

There are many types of vitamin C. Hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin are completely different in certain applications. Citric acid is easy to find in plentiful/pure quantities and should be relatively cheap.

Vinegar contains acetic acid, perhaps one could try lemon juice as an alternative. Better than lemon juice would be citric acid/distilled water for purity.

The only type of vitamin C that would work in this situation would be ascorbic acid. The other types are salts - like sodium, potassium, calcium, etc., which would have a high pH.

But adding base would eventually convert your alkaloids into salts.

Surely adding base (alkaline) would eventually convert your alkaloids to freebase.

Adding acid to the solution converts to salts. (ie dmt acetate...using Acetic acid)

Hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin are forms of vitamin b12 not vitamin c

Ohhhh yeah.

That embarassing moment when you forget to herp, before you derp.

Thank-you anrchy >.<