ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

A Method for Identification of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) Using a Microscope Sampling Device with Fourier Transform Infrared (FT/IR) Spectroscopy
Harris, HA
Director and student intern, Monroe County Public Safety Laboratory, NY

Kane, T
Director and student intern, Monroe County Public Safety Laboratory, NY

(Received 20 August 1990; accepted 16 October 1990)

Abstract

The identification of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has posed an analytical challenge for forensic science laboratories. In those cases in which a few doses are seized, only microgram quantities are available, often in forms which make isolation of the miniscule amount of LSD difficult. A method is described which yields small crystals of pure LSD in a form well-suited for analysis using a microscope sampling device with a Fourier transform infrared (FT/IR) spectrometer. These crystals produce excellent spectra from samples containing less than 50 µg of LSD. Distinguishing between LSD, iso-LSD, and lysergic acid N-methylpropylamide (LAMPA) poses no problem with the spectra obtained. This scheme combines preparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC) followed by wick evaporation, an old but not well-known technique for separating soluble components from high-solid mixtures without filtration.

Keywords:
toxicology, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), spectroscopic analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Paper ID: JFS13134J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13134J
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