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Posted: 1/20/2019 6:37:56 PM EDT
I'm finally getting around to watching this series. They make such a big deal about "methylamine" and how hard it is to obtain, and sure enough it's restricted as a "precursor chemical" by the DEA.
But here's the thing: I looked it up, and synthesizing it is something that any non-idiot high school chemistry student could do. Mix four chemicals, three of which are common household supplies, the fourth of which is common and unrestricted and also easy to make if necessary. Wa-la, out comes methylamine. Even using "dump it in a bucket and stir"-level chemistry. Heisenberg is supposed to be some sort of super-chemist. Why doesn't he just hit the grocery store and mix the stuff up himself instead of hijacking trains and murdering kids to cover it up? Bonus question: why does the DEA even bother to restrict it? Even if there's no household use for it, if making it is so easy, what's the point? |
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Not a chemist. Not a 100% sure answer. Most chemicals you buy at the store are a fraction of their potency. Ammonia, bleach, etc are mostly water or other chemicals.
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Adds to the entertainment value. It's a TV show not a factual documentary about how to be a meth dealer.
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Making methylamine and making pure enough methylamine are two different things. Household chemicals are generally very dilute.
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I've seen this addressed in a YT video.
Yeah, it was just a story line. The writers were aware that it's not hard to make. |
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Quoted:
I'm finally getting around to watching this series. They make such a big deal about "methylamine" and how hard it is to obtain, and sure enough it's restricted as a "precursor chemical" by the DEA. But here's the thing: I looked it up, and synthesizing it is something that any non-idiot high school chemistry student could do. Mix four chemicals, three of which are common household supplies, the fourth of which is common and unrestricted and also easy to make if necessary. Wa-la, out comes methylamine. Even using "dump it in a bucket and stir"-level chemistry. Heisenberg is supposed to be some sort of super-chemist. Why doesn't he just hit the grocery store and mix the stuff up himself instead of hijacking trains and murdering kids to cover it up? Bonus question: why does the DEA even bother to restrict it? Even if there's no household use for it, if making it is so easy, what's the point? View Quote |
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We'd have never known how psycho Todd was without this plot line...
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Methlamine manufactured dope sucks too. Low quality, 1970s biker crank at best.
It was just part of the story to make it interesting. |
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Ok, ok, I get it, "it's just a movie." So why does the DEA bother to restrict it? It's like banning 3D-printed guns, anyone who wants to can still do it.
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It was just part of the story to make it interesting. View Quote Quoted:
So...... are you a school teacher ![]() View Quote ![]() |
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It might be time to rewatch BB. Thanks op.
![]() ![]() Wendy / Windy Breaking Bad & The Association ![]() |
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I've seen this addressed in a YT video. Yeah, it was just a story line. The writers were aware that it's not hard to make. View Quote If memory serves at the end of the show Walt got into the bad guys lair by offering a new technique to synthesize methlamyne. I suppose "Uncle Fester" didn't exist in that world. |
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It was all about his products purity,plus it was in the script
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm finally getting around to watching this series. They make such a big deal about "methylamine" and how hard it is to obtain, and sure enough it's restricted as a "precursor chemical" by the DEA. But here's the thing: I looked it up, and synthesizing it is something that any non-idiot high school chemistry student could do. Mix four chemicals, three of which are common household supplies, the fourth of which is common and unrestricted and also easy to make if necessary. Wa-la, out comes methylamine. Even using "dump it in a bucket and stir"-level chemistry. Heisenberg is supposed to be some sort of super-chemist. Why doesn't he just hit the grocery store and mix the stuff up himself instead of hijacking trains and murdering kids to cover it up? Bonus question: why does the DEA even bother to restrict it? Even if there's no household use for it, if making it is so easy, what's the point? ![]() |
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Most people didn’t know that and just watched the show. It’s not a documentary.
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I always assumed it was the only way to get the volume he needed and to keep it as pure as he needed
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Heisenberg made his reputation making the purest Meth. You aren't going to make the purest Meth mixing chemicals from under the sink.
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You are correct—it’s readily synthesized by anyone savvy enough to be an organic chemistry PhD. I was disappointed in this part of the series for that very reason. But just like gun oopses & superhero superpowers —It’s a plot device used by the writers for artistic license—not a chemistry class.
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It’s a plot device. Breaking Bad is a drama, not a scientifically accurate docudrama on methamphetamie production.
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Wala???
![]() ![]() ![]() You mouth-breathers can't even bastardize 'Voila' correctly. Geez... ![]() |
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My brother is a chemist in the DEA. Part of his entrance exam was making meth. He said the method they used on Breaking Bad makes very low-quality meth.
Just try watching breaking bad with a guy who is an actual chemist who has made those drugs. It’s a complete buzz kill. |
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They wanted to write a character driven dramatic television series, not teach people how to actually make meth.
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Uh, cause it was written that way for maximum depressing drama...
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I love that show. A buddy who is a chemical engineer and my wife who is a Pharmacist ruined it for me. There is no art to the cook! They both explained with access to the chemicals anyone can make meth chemically perfect pretty easily.
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I wouldn't be surprised if the show intentionally didn't want to show how easy it really is to make meth.
Making it look like you need a hard to get chemical kind of keeps some heat off of the show. |
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Heisenberg made his reputation making the purest Meth. You aren't going to make the purest Meth mixing chemicals from under the sink. View Quote ![]() Look, I don't ask Hollywood to be 100% realistic in every depiction, but at least don't throw in a gaping gangrenous asshole of a plot device just because 87% of their audience is stupid. |
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There's no crystal rock you can throw on the floor and blow up a building with either.
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View Quote |
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Quoted:
My brother is a chemist in the DEA. Part of his entrance exam was making meth. He said the method they used on Breaking Bad makes very low-quality meth. Just try watching breaking bad with a guy who is an actual chemist who has made those drugs. It’s a complete buzz kill. View Quote ![]() |
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If you want garage meth, you make your methylamine.
If you want top shelf, lab made meth, you use lab grade methylamine. |
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Quoted:
My brother is a chemist in the DEA. Part of his entrance exam was making meth. He said the method they used on Breaking Bad makes very low-quality meth. Just try watching breaking bad with a guy who is an actual chemist who has made those drugs. It’s a complete buzz kill. View Quote |
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1) They aren't going to actually tell you how to make meth on a show watched by millions of people.
2) I have worked in a jail for the last 20 years. The average guy with average intelligence is like Einstein when surrounded by inmates. (not the dudes in for a weekend for a DUI, but people who live the criminal lifestyle) (the ones that get caught at least) |
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