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References and Further Reading
So, how is LSD Made?

LSD is a semi-synthetic drug. Originally it was synthesised directly from lysergic acid. It may also be possible to synthesis it from starting material, but this is not likely to be economically feasible (for research nor the black market) and so is of little practical interest.
There are many syntheses proposed and a couple of them are detailed below. These generally start directly from lysergic acid, which can be synthesised either from the seeds of the morning glory plant, ergot, a fungus that will grow on rye grain, (historically important in a condition known in Medieval times as St, Anthony's Fire, which was shown as an excruciating pain in the feet and hands, form restriction of the arteries, and could result in gangrene) or from culture.

Below is the original synthesis of LSD [11]. As it is possible to prepare many other derivatives in the same way the N(C2H5)2 group in LSD has been replaced with an R. It gave a very low yield, typically less than 15 %
Below is a second synthesis. This time a high yield and it was the first time that LSD was able to be produced in a large quantity [12],[13].