How to test LSD derivatives?

LSD derivatives such as 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD, 1cP-LSD, 1cP-MiPLA, 1D-LSD, 1P-LSD, 1V-LSD, AL-LAD, ETH-LAD, and LSZ are currently legal in many countries and increasingly popular. It is widely assumed that these compounds turn into LSD upon metabolisation (ingestion), which is why their effects are often considered to be nearly indistinguishable from the classic “acid” experience. To indentify lysergamides and avoid different, more dangerous substances (such as NBOMes and other phenethylamines) we recommend to use the LSD test kit (especially Ehrlich reagent and Hofmann test).  Substituted lysergamides can be extremely slow to react, which is why we explain in this article how to speed up testing.

New way of testing LSD derivatives:
  • Activate sample with alkaline reagent
  • Apply reagent Ehrlich or Hofmann
  • Wait about 15 minutes for results
 
Old way of testing LSD derivatives (without activation):
  • Check the result after 1 and 12 hours
  • Make sure the sample changes color
  • Rely primarily on the Hofmann reagent
 
 

New way of testing LSD derivatives:

New lysergamides (except ETH-LAD and partially AL-LAD) need to be “activated” to react with the Ehrlich and Hofmann reagents, which means that they need to be transformed into LSD. Below we describe how to do that.
 
Lysergamides can be activated in two ways:
  1. By pre-soaking the sample in an alkaline solution before testing
  2. By prolonged exposure to reagent Ehrlich or Hofmann

 

Presoaking sample is the most efficient way to transform an LSD derivative into LSD. Any alkaline solution can be used for that purpose, such as with Simon’s/Robadope B, Zimmermann B, Morris B or Cannabis B reagents, although we have established that Zimmermann B appears to work the best.
 
It is important to use only 1 drop of alkaline reagent and let the sample presoak for 5 minutes before adding further reagents. An excessive amount of alkaline solution can neutralize the Ehrlich and Hofmann reagents.
 
After 5 minutes are done, add reagents Ehrlich and Hofmann to small samples (1/4 of a tab or pellet per test is enough). Flatten the applied reagent with a clean spatula, sit back and relax for 15 minutes. During that time color change will become obvious. Voila!
 
 
Source: self

Unactivated vs activated 1V-LSD pellet with Ehrlich and Hofmann reagents at 15 minutes

Source: self

Old way of testing LSD derivatives:

If you do not have any alkaline reagent you can arm yourself with patience and allow more time for reagents to activate sample and eventually produce the expected color change.


Check the result after 1 and 12 hours

Extended observation is the simplest method of testing the latest LSD analogues. If the sample reacts immediately, it may indicate the presence of trace amounts of already transformed LSD, which is a concerning signal regarding the product’s legality. However, if the change is slow and limited primarily to the sample itself, such a result indicates the presence of an “acid” derivative.


Make Sure the Sample Changes Color

The sample can change color even if the rest of the reagent shows no color change, and this should also be considered a positive result. Ehrlich and Hofmann tests are for the most part binary (yes/no), any color change determines the result, with its intensity being unimportant. An exception is the situation described earlier, where the substance during storage underwent partial decomposition, and in spite of false sense of legal safety, it began to contain a small amount of illegal LSD-25.


Rely on the Hofmann Reagent for LSD

Hofmann reagent, unlike Ehrlich, changes color to blue almost exclusively with LSD. In the case of 5-HTP or tryptophan, it changes the color from yellow to green. More reference results are available in our web application at protestkit.eu/resultsWe strongly recommend always using both the Ehrlich reagent and the Hofmann reagent (both available in our kit LSD Test Kit). The Ehrlich test alone indicates the presence of indole (chemical structures containing a part referred to as indole), which can be LSD but also many other compounds such as other lysergamides, tryptamines, and even popular dietary supplements: melatonin and 5-HTP or tryptophan.

Although one could argue that the Hofmann reagent alone is sufficient for testing LSD due to its characteristic reactions, we always advise to use several reagents to increase the precision of the analysis and reduce the risk of false results. In this case, the Ehrlich reagent should be combined with the Hofmann test. Both of these reagents are included in our LSD testing kit along with the Marquis and Mecke tests, which can also indicate the presence of phenethylamines such as DOC or NBOMe and others.

Below is a picture of a 1D-LSD blotter test using the Ehrlich and Hofmann reagents. Interestingly, the Ehrlich reagent showed the strongest reaction after 1 hour. Later, the color reaction on the sample faded. The Hofmann test showed the strongest reaction after 12 hours.
Source: self

Testing LSD derivatives (unactivated)

Source: self

LSD Derivatives Test Kit

The best LSD test kit is the LSD Test Kit which includes reagents Ehrlich, Hofmann, Marquis, and Mecke. It can reliably confirm the presence of LSD-25 and rule out the possibility of any active adulterants. Typical substances sold as “acid” are either closely related new lysergamides such as 1P-LSD, 1V-LSD, or 1B-LSD, or more commonly inexpensive psychedelic stimulants from the phenethylamine class, such as NBOMe or DOC. The effects of lysergamides are difficult to distinguish from LSD as they metabolize into LSD, but NBOMe or DOC can be dangerous not only to the mind but even cause bodily harm or death if consumed in unwittingly heroic doses.

Keep in mind that the presence of a carrier (gel, blotter, tablet, or sugar cube) can cause false positives with corrosive reagents, so be sure to look for the appropriate color change to rule out phenethylamines rather than slow browning.

The same test kit can be used for testing DMT and many other chemical compounds, check the product’s respective page for more information.

Test kits for LSD and LSD derivatives:

Acknowledgments:

No test kit results can guarantee if a substance is safe. No substance is 100% safe.