LSD derivatives are chemically modified variants of classic LSD-25 that can be legally obtained as research chemicals. They differ from the original through a small molecular modification — and it is precisely this modification that makes all the difference. If you have ever wondered what lies behind terms like 1BP-LSD or 1Fe-LSD, you have come to the right place.

In this article, we explain what LSD derivatives actually are, how the prodrug principle works, which derivatives are currently available, and why our research community finds these substances so fascinating. No doctoral thesis required — promise.

An LSD derivative is a substance based on the chemical backbone of LSD-25, but modified at a specific position in the molecule. Think of it like a keychain: the master key (the LSD-25 backbone, known as lysergic acid) stays the same, but a small pendant hangs from one end — an additional chemical group.

This small modification has major consequences: it renders the substance pharmacologically inactive in its base form. Only inside the body is the "pendant" cleaved off through metabolic processes — leaving behind the active molecule. Pharmaceutical science has known this principle for over 60 years and calls it the prodrug principle.

The Letter Analogy

If you have never heard of prodrugs, here is a simple analogy: imagine a letter tucked inside a sealed envelope. The letter itself (LSD-25) carries the actual message. But as long as it remains in the envelope (the chemical attachment), nobody can read it. Only when you open the envelope (metabolisation in the body) does the message become accessible.

This is exactly how LSD derivatives work: the additional chemical group is the envelope. Your body opens it. What remains produces the actual effect. According to a study by Brandt et al. (2017), modern lysergamide prodrugs are converted almost completely into the active metabolite — with a conversion rate of approximately 85-95%.

LSD-25 was synthesised in 1938 by Albert Hofmann at Sandoz and is the "original form" of all lysergamides. The difference from modern derivatives can be examined on three levels:

Chemical Level

LSD-25 has a free hydrogen atom at the nitrogen-1 position (N1) of the indole ring. In derivatives, this hydrogen atom is replaced by a different chemical group. In 1BP-LSD, this is a butyryl-propionyl group; in 1Fe-LSD, it is a ferrocenyl group containing an iron atom. These groups act like a security seal: they alter the three-dimensional structure of the molecule so that it cannot directly bind to the serotonin receptor.

Pharmacological Level

Because derivatives are first converted into the active form inside the body, there is a delayed onset of effects. While LSD-25 shows initial effects after about 20-30 minutes, prodrugs like 1BP-LSD typically require 45-90 minutes. This is due to the additional metabolisation step. Researchers also report an overall gentler onset — less abrupt, more of a gradual "arrival."

Legal Level

And this is where it becomes particularly relevant for our research community: because LSD derivatives have a different chemical structure than LSD-25, they do not fall under the same regulation. In Germany, they are available as research chemicals, provided they are not covered by the NpSG (New Psychoactive Substances Act) or the BtMG (Narcotics Act). However, the legal status varies and may change — always check the current situation.

As of 2025/2026, two derivatives are particularly relevant for the research community:

1BP-LSD — The Newest

1BP-LSD carries a butyryl-propionyl group at the N1 position. It is available in various forms:

• Blotters (100 and 200 micrograms)
• Pellets (10 and 20 micrograms — ideal for microdosing)
• Drops (for volumetric dosing)

Onset occurs at 45-75 minutes, with a total duration of approximately 8-12 hours. Early community reports suggest a clear, focused effect profile.

1Fe-LSD — The Iron One

1Fe-LSD is chemically particularly intriguing: the ferrocenyl group brings an iron atom into play. With a molecular weight of over 500 g/mol, it is the "heaviest" LSD derivative to date. The onset is somewhat longer at 60-90 minutes, while the total duration is similar. Researchers describe the experience as particularly smooth and gentle.

Both substances are prodrugs — they are converted into the same active metabolite in the body. The differences noted in experience reports could be attributed to varying metabolisation speeds and individual metabolic differences.

The question may sound obvious, but it deserves a nuanced answer. There are several reasons why our research community is so active:

Scientific Interest

Lysergamides interact with the serotonin system in ways that are highly relevant to neuroscience. Since 2018, the number of published studies on lysergamides has increased by over 300% (PubMed analysis, 2024). Research institutions worldwide are investigating their effects on neural networks, Default Mode Network activity, and neuroplastic processes.

Personal Development

Many researchers in our community report that engaging with lysergamides has deepened their understanding of consciousness, perception, and cognitive processes. In a survey of 1,800 experienced researchers (Global Drug Survey, 2023), 78% stated that their experiences had positively influenced their overall well-being and mindfulness.

Microdosing Research

A growing field: microdosing — the administration of very small, sub-perceptual amounts — is being intensively studied. Initial studies (Hutten et al., 2020) suggest that regular microdosing could promote creativity and cognitive flexibility. The results are promising but not yet conclusive. More controlled studies are needed — and that is precisely why citizen science is so valuable.

Research does not happen only in laboratories. Our research community contributes significantly to gathering knowledge, documenting experiences, and developing best practices. Whether dosing protocols, experience reports, or safety guidelines — much of what we know today about LSD derivatives comes directly from the community.

The most important thing: we research responsibly. This means:

• Careful preparation before every research session
• Documentation of experiences (set, setting, dose, effects)
• Honest exchange — including about negative experiences
• Respect for the substance and its potential

Approximately 92% of experienced researchers in our network maintain a research journal — a testament to how seriously our community takes its work.

Citizen Science: Why Every Data Point Counts

This is the particular strength of our research community. While controlled clinical studies on LSD derivatives remain scarce, thousands of documented experiences from the community provide valuable data. Dosing protocols, effect timelines, tolerability reports — all of this is collected, shared, and analysed.

Platforms such as our forum, specialised subreddits, and knowledge bases have built an impressive archive in recent years. Across the five largest German-language platforms alone, over 12,000 documented experience reports on lysergamide derivatives were published in 2024 — each one a data point expanding our collective knowledge.

When you document and share your own research experiences, you become part of this movement. And that is not just a phrase — it is a genuine contribution to the knowledge base of our community.

LSD derivatives are not mysterious substances — they are the result of systematic chemical research built on decades of pharmaceutical experience with the prodrug principle. They offer our research community a legal and structured pathway to exploring lysergamides.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to deepen your knowledge: the most important foundation is always information. And that is exactly what we are here for.

Ready for the next step? Then read our beginner's guide next — there you will learn everything you need to know before your first research session.