LSD Synthesis in 7 Steps (Educational) | Lysergic acid, organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms

This video does not explain or suggest how to make drugs, and is purely educational and theoretical. A team of chemists recently reported a synthesis of lysergic acid, the precursor of the psychoactive drug LSD, in only 6 laboratory steps. In this video, we will learn why LSD-like scaffolds are of interest to modern drug discovery and look into the chemistry of this short but sweet synthesis.

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Reference:

00:00 Why science cares about LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)
02:11 High-level retrosynthesis of lysergic acid
03:13 Forward synthesis of lysergic acid
06:14 Broader application to pharmaceutically relevant structures

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No information on this channel is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of information on Youtube.

Some recommended books on organic synthesis:
- Clayden, Greeves, Warren; Organic Chemistry (basic organic chemistry knowledge)
- Wyatt, Warren; Organic Synthesis: The Disconnection Approach (excellent introduction to retrosynthesis)
- Kurti, Czako; Strategic Applications of Named Reactions in Organic Synthesis (extensive toolkit of functional group reactions and applications thereof with common conditions)
- Nicolaou et al; Classics in Total Synthesis 1-3 (the ultimate total synthesis trilogy)
- Nicolaou; Molecules That Changed the World (the world's most important molecules and their impact on everyday life)
- Carreira, Kvaerno; Classics in Stereoselective Synthesis (compilation of the groundbreaking methods of stereoselective synthesis and application to synthesis of stereochemically complex structures)

[totalsynthesis]

Here's a 3D model of LSD you can play with yourself:

[davebennett]

As a teen in the 70’s we were bombarded with the message that LSD would cause “flashbacks.” I took plenty of window pane and blotter as did all of my friends. Not one of us has ever gotten the promised 2 for 1 gift of a flashback. I for one feel cheated and lied to.

[georgeh]

We're now all on a list... The cool list 😎

[discodave]

I’m an analytical chemist, and have nothing but admiration for organic chemistry like this. Pure art and science 👌🏻

[Find-the-Devil]

You have no idea how these chemistry videos boost my knowledge in chemistry which is essentials for my videos and my experiments in the lab. Thanks.

[mirabelwatson]

Psilocybin saved my life. I was addicted to heroin for 15 years and after Psilocybin treatment I will be 3 years clean in September. I have zero cravings.
This is something that truly needs to be more broadly used in addiction treatment.

[SpaceCadet]

I kind of get why they want to take away the hallucinations in a medical type setting but I find that it’s a part of why it works so well for me and my mental health. There’s something about being completely detached from reality that lets me further examine myself in ways my conscious mind can’t. Just doesn’t seem as beneficial

[GiddyThis]

"Is it a good trip"
"Idk lemme see how hard my mouse shakes"

[joelsmith]

Thanks for highlighting our lab's work!!

[Heisenberg-]

Psychedelics are just an amazing discovery. It's quite fascinating how effective they are for depression and stress..saved my life.

[brendenirving]

Currently in orgo 2 planning to major in orgo eventually. But damn, to think of all these crazy reagents and knowing the mechanisms behind them is intimidating yet still interesting

[stephenowesney]

I am sorry that information is not of higher demand in this day and age. You deserve the proper reward and recognition for your hard work and it shows your virtue for knowledge, doing it regardless.

[forrestspencer]

Having indulged in copious amounts, one of the most intriging fetures of lsd was always i could have my inter monologue sound like any person ive ever heard before . I always thought this could be very helpful in therapy along with lsd ability remove egos

[zombiedearth]

I believe im on every government watchlist at this point 🥰

[junepaul]

Everytime I've ever took acid it was a very positive experience that improved my mind but also warped it just as much. I can't say I would change anything. I'm better for having taken it

[science_and_anonymous]

This is actually the research I'm performing now, the synthesis of cyclic thiol ring structured tryptamine derivatives for use in neurodegenerative disorders. The goal is to have the product have a very profound neuroprotective effect without activation of the hallucinogenic response. Facinating field.

[JeremyS]

"Practical LSD manufacture" by Uncle Fester gives you a cool run down. Talks about the old skool methods

[kuraikobayashiani]

0:37 This is what I wanted to know for a long time! Measuring how trippy a substance is. However, on the internet I never found anything related to this. People always talk about synthesis but never talk about how to find out about the mechanism of a drug's action.

[stevengill]

Wow, a total synthesis of ergolines in seven steps?
Man, that's amazing - I remember when I was a kid (late 50s) total synthesis of lysergic acid was what, 25 steps?
As you pointed out, this will open up novel routes
to analogs, both 5-HT2a agonists and perhaps new psychoplastogens -
pretty cool!

[moritzmojo]

Its good to see a fellow swiss putting out high quality educational videos, keep up the great work!