LSD Chemical Compound Molecular Structure

LSD molecular model shows structural similarities to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. It has been used as an experimental drug & recreational hallucinogen and may be of interest to investigators of schizophrenia. Use this model in conjunction with models of other psychotropic compounds such as mescalin as part of your drug awareness program.

A rough form of LSD, ergotamine, can occur in stored rye grain, and is believed to have been the cause of the odd behaviour which triggered the Salem witch trials. LSD is also a very good example of the importance of stereoisomerism. D-LSD is the active form while its mirror image, L-LSD (L-lysgeric acid diethylamide) does not induce hallucinations.

LSD is also known as lysergide, a diethylamide derivative of lysergic acid. It belongs to a group of compounds known as indole alkylamines or substituted tryptamines like psilocin which is found in magic mushrooms. LSD can be synthesized via several chemical pathways with ergotamine tartrate as a precursor which can be extracted from the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea)