LSD

LSD stands for Lysergic Acid Diethylamide.

• IUPAC name:
  (6aR,9R)-N,N-diethyl-7-methyl-4,6,6a,7,8,9-hexahydroindolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide
• Molecular formula:
  C₂₀H₂₅N₃O
• Molar mass:
  323.44 g/mol

Chemical class

• Ergoline derivative
• Tryptamine-related psychedelic
• Semi-synthetic compound derived from lysergic acid

Key structural features

• A complex ergoline ring system consisting of fused aromatic and heterocyclic rings
• An indole ring, a structural feature shared with serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine)
• A diethylamide group (–CON(C₂H₅)₂) attached to the lysergic acid backbone
• Multiple chiral centers that contribute to its highly specific biological activity

Functional groups

• Amide (carboxamide)
• Tertiary amine
• Indole heterocycle
• Conjugated aromatic ring system

Pharmacological chemical class

• Classical serotonergic psychedelic
• Acts primarily as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT₂A receptors
• Also interacts with several other serotonin, dopamine, and adrenergic receptors

Structural significance

LSD’s structure closely resembles naturally occurring neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Its rigid ergoline framework and diethylamide substitution contribute to its exceptionally high receptor affinity and potency at very low doses.

Physical characteristics

• Pure LSD is a colorless, odorless crystalline solid
• Sensitive to light, heat, oxygen, and moisture
• Commonly distributed on absorbent materials such as blotter paper, though these forms do not change the underlying chemical structure