ALD-52, or 1-acetyl-N, n-diethylergoamide, is a semi-synthetic molecule belonging to the chemical class of ergoamide. ALD-52 is a substituted derivative of lysergic acid. The structure of ALD-52 consists of four rings, a bicyclic hexahydroindole with a bicyclic quinoline group. The core structure of ALD-52 is an ergooline derivative, in which tryptamine and phenylethylamine structures are embedded. ALD-52 contains an N, n-diethylformamide functional group that binds to the chemical structure R8. It's replaced by a methyl group on the carbon 6.

ALD-52 is homologous to 1P-LSD, which contains a propioyl group that binds to CH3CO-, rather than an acetyl group that binds to the same location. It is not clear how these differences explain the differences in the activity of the two compounds.

ALD-52 acts as a partial agonist in most serotonin receptor subtypes through its metabolite LSD, including 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT6 receptors. It can also be expected to act as an agonist in dopamine receptors such as D2. [8] It is believed that the psychedelic effects arise from the effect of ALD-52 on the 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A receptor subtypes.

ALD-52 acts as a prodrug for LSD along with 1P-LSD and 1B-LSD, but it is unclear whether it is able to perform its role as a parent. It has been found that ALD-52 is metabolized into two different metabolites, N-deethyl-ALD-52 and N6-demethyl-ALD-52 (nor-ALD-52), in addition to its "main metabolite LSD". ALD-52 is metabolized by CYP3A4, which performs N6 deacetylation. In addition, CYP2D6 participates in the hydroxylation process.

Anecdotal reports from many users suggest that the effects of ALD-52 are actually the same as LSD. Compared to other psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSA, and Ayahuasca, ALD-52 is significantly more stimulating and fast-paced in terms of the specific style of its physical and cognitive effects, as are other ergoamides.

Anecdotal reports from the community tend to report that ALD-52 is slightly less potent and visually effective, with softer and less anxiety-inducing headspace, but at the cost of lower depth, making it a more entertaining variant of LSD. Presumably, this is due to a slightly longer, less jarring appearance period, allowing users to become more comfortable with the change in headspace. It has been reported that this property disappears with increasing doses and converges with the effects experienced with higher doses of LSD.