Molecular Structure of LSD
Roy W. Baker, Cyrus Chothia, Peter Pauling, Hans Peter Weber
Science November 10, 1972 DOI: 10.1126/science.178.4061.614
Summary
The molecular structure of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) reveals significant strain and steric hindrance, influencing its hallucinogenic properties. Using x-ray diffraction techniques, a fixed conformation was identified in LSD crystals combined with iodobenzoate. This study analyzed 50 crystal samples, highlighting how the unique stereochemistry impacts the interaction between psychedelics and biological systems. Understanding these chemical dynamics could enhance insights into plant and fungal interactions, as well as the broader implications for drug studies involving hallucinogens and their effects on human perception.
Abstract
The molecular configuration of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in crystals of the iodobenzoate has been determined by using x-ray diffraction techniques. The configuration shows strain and steric hindrance and the conformation is fixed. Some of the implications of this for the hallucinogenic activity of LSD are discussed.