ALD-52, also known as 1-acetyl-LSD, has chemical structural features similar to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a known psychedelic drug.[3][4] Similarly, ALD-52 has been reported to produce psychoactive effects, but its pharmacological effects on humans are poorly understood. Given its psychoactive properties, it has been reported to be consumed as a recreational drug, and the purported first confirmed detection of the substance on the illicit market occurred in April 2016.[4][5]
ALD-52 was initially synthesized in 1957 by Albert Hofmann, who is accredited as the first individual to have synthesised LSD, a chemical analogue of ALD-52. Until the rise in popularity of psychedelics in the 1960s, ALD-52 was not widely studied.[6] It is assumed to act as a prodrug to LSD in humans, but this has yet to be scientifically verified.[7]
^Troxler F, Hofmann A (1957). "Substitutionen am Ringsystem der Lysergsäure I. Substitutionen am Indol-Stickstoff. 43. Mitteilung über Mutterkornalkaloide" [Substitutions on the ring system of lysergic acid I. Substitutions on the indole nitrogen. 43. Communication on ergot alkaloids]. Helvetica Chimica Acta (in German). 40 (6): 1706–1720. doi:10.1002/hlca.19570400619.