With the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) over the years, the substances detected on stamps (also known as blotter papers) have also evolved from the traditional drug—lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to the multiple variants of lysergamides such as ALD-52 and 1P-LSD. The analysis of such blotter papers is usually done by solvent extraction followed by identification using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This study has shown that hydrolysis to form LSD was observed in GC-MS analysis when ALD-52 was extracted with methanol. The extraction of ALD-52 using other solvents such as acetonitrile, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and acetone, followed by GC-MS analysis, was investigated. It is shown that alcoholic solvents such as methanol and ethanol will result in the conversion of ALD-52 to LSD during GC-MS analysis, whereas the sterically hindered isopropyl alcohol will prevent this conversion. Investigation also shows that the hydrolysis of ALD-52 to LSD occurs at the GC injector port. It was also observed that the degree of hydrolysis was more pronounced at a lower concentration (0.1 mg/mL). The study was extended to a close analog—1P-LSD, and the results showed that 1P-LSD similarly hydrolyzes to LSD. However, 1P-LSD was observed to be more stable than ALD-52 due to steric hindrance because of the propanoyl group.
What is ALD-52? Exploring This Powerful LSD Alternative
ALD-52 is a psychedelic analog of LSD and homolog of 1P-LSD.
ALD-52 has been around for a long time. It was first invented in the late 1950s by Albert Hofmann — the same chemist responsible for discovering LSD and psilocybin.
ALD-52 didn’t become popular until the late 1960s when a rumor started circulating within California that claimed a particularly strong batch of acid known as Orange Sunshine contained ALD-52 instead of LSD (this was later debunked).
Today, ALD-52 is common in the underground psychedelic scene as an alternative for LSD. It’s often used as a milder, gentler form of acid, but the effects are virtually identical.
What is ALD-52?
ALD-52 is a lysergamide psychedelic, a homolog of 1P-LSD.
Just like 1P-LSD, ALD-52 is a prodrug for LSD-25 (lysergic acid diethylamide), which means it must be metabolized to LSD before it can produce any of its psychedelic effects.
The chemical name for ALD-52 is 1-acetyl-N,N-diethyllysergamide (shortened to 1-acetyl-LSD or 1A-LAD). The only difference between ALD-52 and 1P-LSD is the presence of an acetyl group rather than a propionyl group. It’s unclear how this subtle difference affects how these two molecules interact with the body.
The effects of ALD-52, 1P-LSD, and LSD are virtually identical. ALD-52 and 1P-LSD are considered slightly weaker and have a slower come-up — which is likely the result of their need to be metabolized by the liver before they become active.