The Tryptamine class of chemicals includes both naturally occurring, synthetic, and semi-synthetic drugs built on the base skeleton “Tryptamine”. The important structural distinction of the tryptamine class of chemicals is their approximation to the neurotransmitter serotonin. These drugs are mostly of the type commonly referred to as hallucinogens. Some of the drugs included in this class are the ubiquitous LSD, the less well-known but very powerful drug DMT, the active chemical in psychedelic mushrooms psilocybin, and a host of other drugs. Most of these drugs and their various structural isomers were given center stage in Shulgin’s book Tihkal (Tryptamines I Have Known And Loved), which chronicles both the synthesis and effects of a variety of tryptamine drugs.

The tryptamines, like most other drugs, are often easily synthesized when the appropriate direct precursor is readily available. In most cases this is, unfortunately, not a reality. As a result the synthesis can become a laborious process. One of the tryptamines, namely LSD, is one of the most misunderstood of the synthetic drugs. The synthesis of LSD is surrounded by as much legend and myth as with reality. The chemical lysergic acid diethylamide is actually not as difficult to synthesize as most of the folklore suggests. The synthesis is beyond the abilities of most dope “cooks”, that sorry breed which strives only for a “recipe” for a drug, with no desire to learn about what they are actually doing, and no appreciation for the art of synthesis. Yet the production of LSD is only a moderately difficult task for an average chemist.

LSD

Other naturally occurring tryptamine drugs are also of great interest. These include DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, Psilocybin, Psilocin, harmaline and harmine, and ibogaine. While most of these drugs are commonly and easily extracted from plant material, their direct and total syntheses are also exceedingly interesting. The chemical psilocybin is one of the most common hallucinogens available throughout the world, and has been used by various cultures in spiritual and religious ceremonies throughout the centuries. DMT and 5-MeO-DMT share the second distinction with psilocybin, though they are far rarer as street drugs. The second has been available as a “research chemical”, and as a result is far more common than its parent drug DMT.

Ibogaine, Bufotenin & Harmaline

Psilocybin & Psilocin

A class of almost purely hallucinogenic drugs, the tryptamines are revered, and in some cases considered almost sacred, chemicals. The synthesis of LSD will likely remain the most sought after “holy grail” of most enterprising street chemists. The synthesis of a host of the other before mentioned chemicals will make a welcome addition to the repertoire of any dedicated drug chemist. These syntheses, as well as the syntheses of a variety of other tryptamine drugs, are available in our links pages. Remember, as always, to make sure that you understand the legal status of the various chemicals, as well as the reality of the repercussions for violating laws pertaining to these chemicals, before considering taking any action toward the synthesis of any of these drugs. Stay safe, and free.