GBL conversion problem

[DrStrange]

Have searched but not seen this even referred to. A vague aquaintence got some GBL and mixed the appropriate amount of NaOH with it per receipes on internet. Checked the pH (which was near 10) and then tasted it and it tasted much like solvent! Tolerable but not nice at all. He thought it was supposed to be just salty; not like used rocket fuel. So he upped the pH clear to 11 w/ more NaOH and heated it in a water bath just short of boiling for over an hour and tasted again. Still solventy. Tried a dose (well several) and it works just fine as a sleep aid. Very fine actually. But the taste is a bit worrisome.

Does this mean that he somehow still has largely or partly GBL despite the high pH and long reaction time? Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Also, as long as I am relaying his questions, he has a bit of concern about the 1% mystery ingredients of his 99% pure GBL. Any ideas what these might be? Could they be dangerous w/ long term use? If so, anyone know approx yield of crystalization when reaction is carried out in ethanol or isopropal alch instead of H2)???

Thank you all and sleep tight!