If some misguided individual were to try this, would he dissolve the ephedrine in a solvent before adding it to the reaction vessel, or would it work to just add the straight ephedrine hcl powder? Which is preferred? When the reaction is complete would he, hypothetically, let the ammonia evaporate through a water trap, rinse the reaction vessel in distilled water, and perform a solvent extraction? Would methanol work? What is the solvent of choice? Is a “diy” fume hood, well lubricated and sealed glassware, and a water trap enough to mitigate most of the danger of working with anhydrous ammonia? Thanks in advance for your feedback!