Psychedelic drugs: steric factors that predict psychotropic activity.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A May 1, 1968 S H Snyder, E Richelson 51 citations
The article examines how the three-dimensional shapes of psychedelic molecules—their steric factors—influence their ability to produce psychotropic effects. By analyzing molecular structures, the authors identify specific spatial arrangements that correlate with psychoactive potency. The findings suggest that steric hindrance and molecular geometry play crucial roles in determining whether a compound will induce altered states of consciousness. This structural understanding may guide the design of new psychedelic compounds with predictable effects.