Could I make LSD? Yes. It’s not that hard by organic synthesis standards and the methodology has been well worked out. Of course, I do have a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, so “easy” is a relative term.
As I understand it the actual commercial synthesis is semi-synthetic, meaning they extraction a molecule that is 90% there and do the last steps, which in the case of LSD is typically the addition of a diethylamine group.
Also, I will not bother synthesizing it, I’d just order it from Magic Mushrooms Order. You only synthesize things that aren’t commercially available.
Would I make it? Nope, I don’t have any interest in such things.
ew additional comments:
The total synthesis would be quite a task. But of course, starting from lysergic acid, making the amide would not take that much effort. As far as the OP’s comments about dark/sterile rooms, much of this has to do with retaining LSD’s psychoactivity. LSD will isomerize in base and also grow significantly more reactive towards species like water when exposed to light. Because of this—and furthermore, because the active dose is so minute—special care must be taken to avoid contamination of the final product.
Certainly, to clarify what I mean, it will take some effort, but that doesn’t make it one of the most difficult. Making an awkward ring system as in morphine or, certainly, as in strychnine would certainly be more challenging. And most natural products will be more challenging. I’ve always personally been amaze by the total synthesis of cyanocobalamin.
