LSD

= __LSD__ = = By: Amber =

= __3D Model:__ = ==

__ **Basics:** __
LSD, or Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, is a colorless, odorless chemical that is usually taken by mouth. The chemical has a bitter taste. LSD is part of a family called //hallucinogens// or //psychedelics.// They impair thoughts, perceptions, and the user's mood. Hallucinogens cause dream-like states and paranioa.

=__ Identification Properties: __= -Molecular Formula: C20H25N3O -Weight: 323.43 -Most likely combustible -Soluble in water -Stable and incompatible with strong oxidizing agents -Storage temperature: -20 Degrees C -Crystalline solid

= __Percent Composition:__ =

By Number:
Carbon: 40% Hydrogen: 51% Nitrogen: 6% Oxygen: 2%

By Mass:
Carbon: 74% Hydrogen: 7.7% Nitrogen: 12.9% Oxygen: 4.9%

__ Discovery: __
Discovered by Albert Hofmann in 1938, LSD was extracted from a fungus that grows on rye and other types of grains. A Swiss pharmaceutical company that Hofmann was working at, produced LSD for the first time. He hoped that the new drug could be used in the medical field to stimulate circulation and respiration. However, the tests he conducted were all failures and he forgot about LSD for 5 years. In 1943, Hofmann had experienced the effects of LSD, and became addicted. He died in 2008 at 102 years old.



__ Effects: __
Some of the effects of LSD: - V i v i d colors -Feeling of strangeness -Changes in mood, personality, and thoughts -Hallucinations -Confusion, psychosis, anxiety, and panic -Time and space distortion -Flashbacks -Increase in heart rate and blood pressure -Muscle weakness -Chills -Dilated pupils -Sleeplessness -Sweating -Loss of appetite -Tremors -Dry mouth

The sensation effects are generally more severe than the physical effects. There are some cases where the accidents are fatal. LSD trips are typically long and start to clear in about 12 hours. LSD tolerance increases quickly, therefore the user must increase the dosage each time for the same effects.

=__ Structure: __= LSD is very similar to the neurotransmitter, serotonin. The compound consists of a diethylamide group. That means one or more nitrogen atoms are part of the compound. The compound also consists of a carbonyl, giving it the name "acid".



The picture on the left is  LSD.* The picture on the right is serotonin.*

__**References:**__
"LSD-Parents. The Anti-Drug.". National Institute on Drug Abuse. 11-12-09 .
 * Information:**

May, Paul. "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide-LSD". School of Chemistry. 11-19-09 .

"Chemical Book". ChemicalBook Inc.. 11-12-09 .


 * LSD and serotonin links are picture links also.

  
 * Pictures:**