A Method for Identification of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) Using a Microscope Sampling Device with Fourier Transform Infrared (FT/IR) Spectroscopy
Ha Harris, T Kane
Journal of Forensic Sciences July 1, 1991 DOI: 10.1520/jfs13134j (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Method description Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key points | A method combining preparative thin-layer chromatography and wick evaporation produces pure LSD crystals that yield excellent FT/IR spectra from samples containing less than 50 µg and can distinguish LSD from iso-LSD and LAMPA. |
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.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Separating the wheat from the chaff: Observations on the analysis of lysergamides LSD, MIPLA, and LAMPA Drug Testing and Analysis May 22, 2021
- Les substances hallucinogènes provenant de l'ergot de seigle et des volubilis Annales de Toxicologie Analytique 2004
- The Analysis of Hallucinogenic Drugs from Plants and Fungi May 14, 2025