1) You said the amine was worked up in the usual way to give MDA: Can you clarify what that way might be?
2) I have been checking some thread on this method and they mentioned bleach and lye which are not found here. Have you tried this recipe yourself?
3) Please clarify this portion, i am confused with all the xylene extractions and additions:
"The solution was cooled and extracted with xylene. The solution was filtered and the filtrate washed with xylene and the xylene portions added together. About 100 mls of conc HCL was added to the xylene shaken and separated. The aqueous solution was extracted with xylene and the xylene separated."
Otherwise very good post. :)