The Separation of Lysergide (LSD) from Related Ergot Alkaloids and Its Identification in Forensic Science Casework Samples
M. Japp, R. Gill, M. David Osselton
Journal of Forensic Sciences July 1, 1987 DOI: 10.1520/jfs12404j via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractCapillary gas chromatography with nonpolar bonded phase columns effectively separates lysergide (LSD) from related ergot alkaloids and its isomer lysergic acid methylpropylamide (LAMPA), providing retention indices for several ergot alkaloids. The method proved applicable to analyzing illicit LSD preparations, demonstrated by extracts from microdot tablets, card, and paper squares. In contrast, the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems tested could not achieve baseline resolution between LSD and LAMPA.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Experimental method development Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Illicit LSD preparations (microdot tablets, card and paper squares) |
| Keywords | Forensic science Identification biology Forensic identification Computational biology Genetics |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key finding | Capillary gas chromatography effectively discriminates LSD from related ergot alkaloids and LAMPA, while HPLC fails to achieve baseline resolution of LSD and LAMPA. |
Abstract
Abstract The separation of lysergide (LSD) from related ergot alkaloids, and its isomer lysergic acid methylpropylamide (LAMPA), has been investigated using the techniques of capillary gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Capillary gas chromatography using fused silica nonpolar bonded phase columns gave good discrimination, and retention indices for several ergot alkaloids have been measured. The applicability of this technique to the analysis of illicit LSD preparations has been demonstrated by preparing extracts from LSD microdot tablets and card and paper squares. The HPLC systems examined in the present study were unable to achieve baseline resolution of LSD and LAMPA.