A Method for Identification of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) Using a Microscope Sampling Device with Fourier Transform Infrared (FT/IR) Spectroscopy
Journal of Forensic Sciences July 1, 1991 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1520/jfs13134j
Summary
A new method has been developed to isolate small crystals of pure lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) from limited samples, which often contain less than 50 micrograms. This approach enables effective analysis using a microscope sampling device with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, allowing for clear differentiation between LSD, iso-LSD, and lysergic acid N-methylpropylamide. The technique combines preparative thin-layer chromatography with wick evaporation to separate components without the need for filtration.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | The method allows for effective isolation and analysis of LSD from samples containing less than 50 µg. |
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Abstract
Abstract The identification of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has posed an analytical challenge for forensic science laboratories. In those cases in which a few doses are seized, only microgram quantities are available, often in forms which make isolation of the miniscule amount of LSD difficult. A method is described which yields small crystals of pure LSD in a form well-suited for analysis using a microscope sampling device with a Fourier transform infrared (FT/IR) spectrometer. These crystals produce excellent spectra from samples containing less than 50 µg of LSD. Distinguishing between LSD, iso-LSD, and lysergic acid N-methylpropylamide (LAMPA) poses no problem with the spectra obtained. This scheme combines preparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC) followed by wick evaporation, an old but not well-known technique for separating soluble components from high-solid mixtures without filtration.