What kind of LSDs are there?

LSD, also known as LSD-25 and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, is one of the world’s most well-known and beloved psychedelic substances. This mystical compound was first synthesized by Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist over 60 years ago and has become extremely controversial over the years. In more recent times, we have been dipping our toes into the therapeutic properties it plausibly holds.

A question that comes up often is ‘what kind of LSDs are there?’. To understand this question you must know about a few other things first. Let’s start to explain this common question by looking at a category of psychedelics called Lysergamides.

What is a Lysergamide

Essentially, Lysergamides are a large collection of compounds. LSD-25 falls into this particular category and lives among countless other unique substances. But what makes a substance a Lysergamide?

To be part of this category, a substance must be synthesized using alkaline hydrolysis of ergotamine, which is essentially a substance derived from the ergot fungus on agar plate. A great reminder that all chemicals, even LSD (synthesized in a laboratory) come from nature! Additionally, for a compound to be considered a Lysergamide, it must bind to serotonin receptors in the CNS, acting as a serotonin agonist.

While LSD is illegal worldwide for production, sale and consumption, other Lysergamides are legal for research purposes. Let’s look at some of those now!

1P-LSD

1P-LSD may be the 2nd most well-known Lysergamide! This compound was invented with the intent of sale in the Research Chemical market. It first surfaced in 2015 but took a few years to really take off. This compound’s chemical name is 1-propionyl-lysergic acid diethylamide. 1P-LSD is a homologue of ALD-52 (see below) which means it holds an acetyl ground-bound to nitrogen instead of the propionyl group bound. To this day, the individual responsible for this legendary invention remains unknown. 1P-LSD does not appear in any literature pre-dating its arrival on the Research Chemical market.

ADDITIONAL 1P-LSD INFORMATION

Formula: C23H29N3O2

Molar Mass: 379.504g·mol−1

IUPAC Name: (6aR,9R)-N,N-Diethyl-7-methyl-4-propanoyl-6,6a,8,9-tetrahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide

ALD-52

ALD-52 is much more old-school than 1P-LSD. Not only that, but the individual who invented ALD-52 is likely the most famous chemist in psychedelic research… In 1957, Albert Hofmann (see above) discovered this legendary compound, which began taking off in the 1960s as a popular psychedelic. During the ‘Acid Wave’ in the 60s, ALD-52 was actually commonly sold as LSD. There was lots of both these psychedelics going around at that time!

ADDITIONAL ALD-52 INFORMATION

Formula: C22H27N3O2

Molar Mass: 365.477 g·mol−1

IUPAC Name: (6aR,9R)-4-Acetyl-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide

1V-LSD

1V-LSD has become so popular in a short amount of time that it has even gained its very own nickname; Valarie! Rumour has it that 1V-LSD was first synthesized during the early summer of 2021. Since then, it has been stocked by most of the Research Chemical websites. Individuals all over the Globe are excited to be researching Valarie. The fact that this compound is so new has excited the Research Chemical community. We can expect to see lots of research on this particular chemical in both the near and far future!

ADDITIONAL 1V-LSD INFORMATION

Formula: C23H29N3O2 C25H33N3O2

Molar Mass: 407.558 g·mol−1

IUPAC Name: (6aR,9R)-N,N-Diethyl-7-methyl-4-propanoyl-4,,6,6a,7,8,9 hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide

ETH-LAD

ETH-LAD may be less popular in regards to research preference, however, it is also quite iconic in its own way. While the initial inventor of ETH-LAD is still unknown, it enjoyed its spotlight in an extremely historic and lengthy book by Mr Alexander Shulgin himself. The analysis of ETH-LAD was first documented in his book TiHKAL (‘Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved’) in the year 1997. While the book title includes ‘Tryptamines’ (another unique category of psychedelics), selected Lyersgamides are also mentioned in his book. ETH-LAD has also been reported to contain higher potency than LSD.

ADDITIONAL ETH-LAD INFORMATION

Formula: C21H27N3O

Molar Mass: 337.467 g·mol−1

IUPAC Name: (6aR,9R)-N,N-diethyl-7-ethyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo-[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide

Please keep in mind that while some of the compounds above have ‘LSD’ in their name, they are structurally different from LSD. The category that LSD is a part of is ever-growing, meaning there are countless exciting Lysergamides that are ready to be researched!

Final Thoughts

With dedication and passion mixed into the world of chemistry comes brilliant and groundbreaking discoveries. While the list of popular Lysergamides is much longer than the few I have mentioned above, I thought these were appropriate for those who would like a simple evaluation of different Lysergamides.

As you gaze further down the rabbit hole of Lysergamides, you will see the broad spectrum of this chemical collection. You will also be exposed to the magical love affair between Mother Earths’ naturally occurring compounds and the powerful possibilities of a laboratory. When nature meets science, rebirth occurs.