Read, read more, and more other stuff.
Came up with a bit of a novel idea for making alpha-substituted tryptamines from tryptophan
(Hell-Vollhard-Zelinzki rxn using catalytic PBr3, mol. eq. Br2 to halogenate the alpha position of tryptophan (or 5-HTP if serotonin analogs were aimed for, or more interestingly, alkylate that hydroxyl first on 5-HTP), followed by displacement of halide by a tosylate ester, such as, for ex. AMT, methyl tosylate, then decarboxylation of the tryptophan to (alpha-alkyl)tryptamine.
Methyl tosylate is pretty poisonous stuff, but then again, it wouldn't be a good idea to breathe/get splashed by Br2 or phosphorus tribromide either. Although probably much less likely to prove lethal.
I think it should work, certainly plan to give it a shot. I love AMT, cracking psychedelic/entactogen material for me personally, although some people find it rough, and its known to be a bit of a gutbuster for many especially at higher levels. Quite variable as to peoples response to dosage also, but for those who it seems to agree with, seems to be well liked.