Summary
Lysergic acid 2,4-dimethylacetamide (commonly known as LA-SS-Az or LSZ) is a derivative of LSD that was created by a research team led by David E. Nichols at Purdue University. Its development aimed to create a structured analog of LSD, with the diethylamide group constrained within an azetidine ring. This modification was intended to facilitate mapping the binding site at the 5-HT2A receptor, a key target of psychedelic substances. Within the azetidine ring, there exist three possible stereoisomers, and the (S, S)-(+) isomer has been identified as the most active. It is slightly more potent than LSD, as drug discrimination tests involving trained rats indicated.
While there have been some reports of lysergic acid 2,4-dimethylacetamide being illicitly synthesized in underground laboratories, there is no confirmed information about its widespread distribution. In certain instances, it has been encountered on blotter paper or in liquid form, bearing names such as “diazepine” and “λ.”
In 2013, LSZ also appeared in the designer drug and research chemical markets in the United Kingdom. It gained international recognition through a handful of mail-order novelty psychedelic shops that emerged in 2012, contributing to its increased popularity.
| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name | |
| | freebase: (S,S)-isomer, freebasetartrate salt: (S,S)-isomer, tartrate salt |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | freebase: 470666-31-0 tartrate salt: 470666-32-1 |
| PubChem CID | freebase: 71301249 |
| ChemSpider | freebase: 30773535 |
| UNII | freebase: 8SWJ525W4R |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C21H25N3O |
| Molar mass | 335.451 g·mol−1 |
Legal status
On June 10, 2014, the UK Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) recommended the inclusion of LSZ in the UK Misuse of Drugs Act as a class A substance, even though there was no identified harm associated with its use at the time. This recommendation was accepted by the UK Home Office, leading to the announcement of a ban on LSZ, which came into effect on January 6, 2015, as part of The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2014.
Additionally, LSZ has been classified as illegal in Switzerland since December 2015, in Denmark since May 2015 [10], and in Sweden since January 26, 2016.
FAQ
1. What is LSZ (Lysergic acid 2,4-dimethylazetidide)?
LSZ, also known as Lysergic acid 2,4-dimethylacetamide, is a chemical compound and a structural analog of LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide). It was developed as a research compound to study its interactions with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor.
2. Who developed LSZ and why?
LSZ was developed by a team led by David E. Nichols at Purdue University. It was created to serve as a rigid analog of LSD, helping researchers map the binding site at the 5-HT2A receptor and gain insights into its pharmacological effects.
3. Are there different stereoisomers of LSZ?
Yes, there are three possible stereoisomers around the azetidine ring of LSZ. Among these, the (S, S)-(+) isomer is the most active and slightly more potent than LSD in drug discrimination tests using trained rats.
4. How is LSZ typically consumed or distributed?
Reports of LSZ being synthesized in illicit laboratories and distributed on blotter paper or in liquid solutions have been reported. It has been sold under various names, including “diazepine” and “λ.”
5. When did LSZ gain popularity in the research chemical market?
LSZ first gained attention in chemical and designer drug market research in the UK in 2013. It later became more widely known and accessible through mail-order psychedelic shops that emerged in 2012.
6. Is LSZ legal in the UK and other countries?
In the UK, LSZ was classified as a class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in January 2015, following the recommendation of the UK Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD). Additionally, LSZ has been illegal in Switzerland since December 2015, Denmark since May 2015, and Sweden since January 26, 2016.
7. What are the effects of LSZ compared to LSD?
LSZ has been reported to have LSD-like effects but with some subtle differences. Research suggests that it is slightly more potent than LSD, and its duration of products may be shorter. However, individual experiences may vary.
8. Is LSZ associated with any specific risks or harm?
As with any research chemical or substance, the safety profile of LSZ is not fully understood, and its use carries potential risks. Research on LSZ is limited, and users should exercise caution and be aware of the legal status of the compound in their region.
9. Is LSZ commonly used for recreational purposes?
While LSZ has gained attention in the context of research and the designer drug market, its recreational use may be less common compared to LSD and other psychedelics. Its use remains relatively niche.
10. Is LSZ considered a controlled substance worldwide?
The legal status of LSZ varies by country. While it is illegal in several countries, its classification can differ from one jurisdiction to another. Individuals should check their local laws and regulations regarding LSZ before considering its use.
Please note that the information provided here is for educational purposes, and it’s essential to prioritize safety and legality when dealing with any chemical compound. Always seek accurate and up-to-date information from reliable sources and adhere to local laws and regulations.
References
- “Arrêté du 20 mai 2021 modifiant l’arrêté du 22 février 1990 fixant la liste des substances classées comme stupéfiants” [Order of May 20, 2021, amending the order of February 22, 1990, setting the list of substances classified as narcotics]. This legal document outlines changes to the classification of controlled substances in France, reflecting evolving regulations.
- Brandt SD, Kavanagh PV, Westphal F, Elliott SP, Wallach J, Colestock T, et al. (January 2017). “Return of the lysergamides. Part II: Analytical and behavioral characterization of N6-allyl-6-norlysergic acid diethylamide (AL-LAD) and (2’S,4’S)-lysergic acid 2,4-dimethylazetidide (LSZ)” (PDF). This scientific paper discusses the analytical and behavioral characteristics of AL-LAD and LSZ, two lysergamides with psychedelic properties.
- Schifano F, Orsolini L, Papanti D, Corkery J (June 2016). “NPS: Medical Consequences Associated with Their Intake.” This publication delves into the medical consequences associated with the intake of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), shedding light on their potential health risks.
- Nichols DE, Frescas S, Marona-Lewicka D, Kurrasch-Orbaugh DM (September 2002). “Lysergamides of isomeric 2,4-dimethylazetidines map the binding orientation of the diethylamide moiety in the potent hallucinogenic agent N,N-diethyllysergamide (LSD).” This research paper explores the binding orientation of diethylamide in lysergamides, providing insights into the hallucinogenic properties of LSD.
- Morris H (1 May 2011). “Life Is a Cosmic Giggle on the Breath of the Universe.” An article in Vice Magazine that explores the philosophical and metaphysical aspects of life and existence.
- Cole K (2005). “Lysergic.” This book, titled “Lysergic,” provides insights into the history and culture surrounding LSD and related substances.
- ACMD (10 June 2014). “Update of the Generic Definition for Tryptamines” (PDF). This report from the UK Home Office discusses the generic definition for tryptamines, a class of compounds that includes various psychoactive substances.
- Power M (2014-01-29). “The Drug Revolution That No One Can Stop.” An article addressing the changing landscape of drug use and the challenges of controlling new psychoactive substances.
- “Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien” (in German). This document outlines regulations in Switzerland related to controlled substances, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, and auxiliary chemicals.
- “Bekendtgørelse om euforiserende stoffer – ni nye stoffer tilføjet” (in Danish). This announcement from Lægemiddelstyrelsen (the Danish Medicines Agency) discusses the addition of nine new substances to the list of controlled substances in Denmark.
- “31 nya ämnen kan klassas som narkotika eller hälsofarlig vara” (in Swedish). This notice from Folkhälsomyndigheten (the Swedish Public Health Agency) addresses the classification of 31 new substances as either narcotics or substances hazardous to health in Sweden.