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A recent J. Chem. Educ. article "Triboluminescent Crystals from the Microwave Oven" (1) describes the easy, one-minute preparation of N-acetylanthranilic acid, which, after recrystallization, yields crystals that provide a brilliant display of triboluminescence. Given this added interest, I would assume that many college organic laboratory courses have added this to their list of experiments. A quick search in Google indicates that at least seven schools have included this experiment in their Web-posted laboratory curricula.
I have just discovered that California classifies N-acetylanthranilic acid as a controlled substance that also appears on the DEA List 1. According to the California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement Precursor Program unauthorized and unregulated possession or storage of this compound is considered a felony. Additionally, the anthranilic acid used in the preparation is similarly classified. While the regulation of these compounds outside of California may be different, I would think that anyone using this experiment should check with local authorities before proceeding.
Literature Cited
- Baldwin, Bruce W.; Wilhite, David M. J. Chem. Educ. 2002, 79, 1344.
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