Beta-alanine and L-alanine, which one should I use in production? N-methylalanine used to make ephedrine

[K.1]

It's in Uncle Fester's book, page 185.

 

[K.1]

Can I use DL-Alanine?

 

[K.1]

Which one can I use? Beta-alanine/L-alanine/D-alanine/DL-alanine to cook N-methylalanine

 

[YoSpumoni]

You don't want beta-alanine. The procedure I've read that details this method of producing ephedrine references the use of DL-alanine. As I understand it, this will produce racemic meth when the product of that reaction is reduced by HI/P.