ALD-52
Encyclopedia
ALD-52, also known as N-acetyl
-LSD, is a chemical analogue of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). It was originally discovered by Albert Hofmann
but was not widely studied until the rise in popularity of psychedelics in the 1960s.
, Shulgin
touches briefly on ALD-52 in entry 26, LSD. His writings are vague, second hand accounts, saying doses in the 50-175 µg range have resulted in various conclusions. One found that there was less visual distortion than with LSD and it seems to produce less anxiety and was somewhat less potent than LSD. Another report claimed it was more effective in increasing blood pressure. Yet another could not tell them apart.
It has the same characteristics as LSD, but supposedly "without the anxiety, tenseness, and other problems inherent to it".
that was widely available in California
through 1968 and 1969. The Sonoma County underground chemistry lab of Tim Scully
and Nicholas Sand
was the source for "Orange Sunshine." It was shut down by the police, and Scully was arrested and prosecuted. This resulted in the first drug analogue trial, where Scully claimed that he and his partners did nothing illegal, because they were producing ALD-52 which was not an illicit drug. However, as the prosecution claimed, there were problems with such a rationale: first, ALD-52 readily undergoes hydrolysis
to LSD, and second, the synthesis of ALD-52 required LSD (this was based on the methods available in the scientific literature at the time). Scully was convicted and served time in prison.
Acetyl
In organic chemistry, acetyl is a functional group, the acyl with chemical formula COCH3. It is sometimes represented by the symbol Ac . The acetyl group contains a methyl group single-bonded to a carbonyl...
-LSD, is a chemical analogue of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). It was originally discovered by Albert Hofmann
Albert Hofmann
Albert Hofmann was a Swiss scientist known best for being the first person to synthesize, ingest and learn of the psychedelic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide . He authored more than 100 scientific articles and a number of books, including LSD: My Problem Child...
but was not widely studied until the rise in popularity of psychedelics in the 1960s.
Effects
In TiHKALTiHKAL
TiHKAL: The Continuation is a 1997 book written by Alexander Shulgin and Ann Shulgin about a family of psychoactive drugs known as tryptamines. A sequel to PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story, TiHKAL is an acronym that stands for Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved.-Content:TiHKAL, much like its...
, Shulgin
Alexander Shulgin
Alexander "Sasha" Theodore Shulgin is an American pharmacologist, chemist, artist, and drug developer.Shulgin is credited with the popularization of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, especially for psychopharmaceutical use and the treatment of depression and...
touches briefly on ALD-52 in entry 26, LSD. His writings are vague, second hand accounts, saying doses in the 50-175 µg range have resulted in various conclusions. One found that there was less visual distortion than with LSD and it seems to produce less anxiety and was somewhat less potent than LSD. Another report claimed it was more effective in increasing blood pressure. Yet another could not tell them apart.
It has the same characteristics as LSD, but supposedly "without the anxiety, tenseness, and other problems inherent to it".
Dangers
In The Hallucinogens by Hofmann and Osmond (1967), ALD-52 (D,L-acetyllysergic acid diethylamide) is listed as having a lower (approximately 1/5) intravenous toxicity (in rabbits), a lower (approximately 1/8) pyretogenic effect, an equal psychological effect in humans, and double the "antiserotonin" effect as compared with LSD.History
It is possible ALD-52 was the active chemical in the "Orange Sunshine" LSDLSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide, abbreviated LSD or LSD-25, also known as lysergide and colloquially as acid, is a semisynthetic psychedelic drug of the ergoline family, well known for its psychological effects which can include altered thinking processes, closed and open eye visuals, synaesthesia, an...
that was widely available in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
through 1968 and 1969. The Sonoma County underground chemistry lab of Tim Scully
Tim Scully
Robert "Tim" Scully is best known in the psychedelic underground for his work in the production of LSD from 1966 to 1969, for which he was indicted in 1973 and convicted in 1974. His best known product, dubbed "Orange Sunshine", was considered the standard for quality LSD in 1969.Scully grew up in...
and Nicholas Sand
Nicholas Sand
Nick Sand is a low-profile hero in the psychedelic community for his work as a clandestine chemist from 1966-1996. Sand was also Chief Alchemist for the League for Spiritual Discovery at the Millbrook estate in New York.- History :...
was the source for "Orange Sunshine." It was shut down by the police, and Scully was arrested and prosecuted. This resulted in the first drug analogue trial, where Scully claimed that he and his partners did nothing illegal, because they were producing ALD-52 which was not an illicit drug. However, as the prosecution claimed, there were problems with such a rationale: first, ALD-52 readily undergoes hydrolysis
Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction during which molecules of water are split into hydrogen cations and hydroxide anions in the process of a chemical mechanism. It is the type of reaction that is used to break down certain polymers, especially those made by condensation polymerization...
to LSD, and second, the synthesis of ALD-52 required LSD (this was based on the methods available in the scientific literature at the time). Scully was convicted and served time in prison.