Why do certain drugs need to be freebased and form HCL salts?

[thunderfvck]

Hi.

Certain drugs need to be freebased, can someone explain this (the meaning of freebaing)? Why would you want to freebase?
I believe that when they are freebased they form a salt of HCL or something, what's with that? Is it analogous to hydrated salt, where a compound can hold like 2 moles of water within its structure? Why HCl?

 

[thunderfvck]

A lot of drugs have an amine group that acts like a base. The base reacts with an acid (HCl) to form a salt, the salt is the freebase. THis is advantageous because then you'll have a solid chemical as opposed to the oilly garbage that is the base form.

 

[ravenprp]

Freebasing is a process where a drug is chemically converted into a more potent form, typically a base form, to increase its potency and bioavailability. This is usually done with drugs that are not easily absorbed by the body in their original form, such as cocaine or amphetamines. By freebasing, the drug becomes more readily absorbed by the body and produces a stronger and faster high.

The HCl salt form is often preferred because it is more stable and easier to handle than the base form. The addition of HCl also makes the drug more water soluble, which allows for easier absorption and distribution throughout the body. Additionally, HCl is a strong acid that can neutralize the basic properties of the drug, making it less irritating and damaging to the body's tissues.

The analogy to hydrated salts is somewhat accurate, as the addition of HCl to the drug creates a salt compound with both the drug and the acid. This salt can then hold onto water molecules, similar to how a hydrated salt can hold onto water molecules within its structure. This can also help with the stability and solubility of the drug.

In summary, freebasing and forming HCl salts are methods used to enhance the potency and absorption of certain drugs, making them more effective and easier to use for recreational or medicinal purposes.