http://rhodium.lycaeum.org/chemistry/lysergic.amides.txt

Would this synth for making lsd from lsa work? I'm mostly talking about doing example 1 then going to the Tetrahedron Letters and using trimethylaluminum to get lsd. Also i noticed it doesn't require diethylamine or phosphorous oxychloride to make it. just wondering..

Trialkylaluminium is a terrible chemical to work with, as it instantly catches fire in air.

http://rhodium.lycaeum.org

well that wouldn't be a good thing would it
damn that sucks

Rhodium,
Any inert atmosphere would work tho right?

Kr

I don't know if "any" inert atmosphere would work (CO2 isn't that inert), but I believe N2, Ar or He would work with trialkylamuminium.

http://rhodium.lycaeum.org

how exactly do you create an inert atmosphere?

You connect your lab glass setup to a tank of (for example argon) and let a stream of the gas run through it so that no air (oxygen etc) can get in. You also transfer all your reagents to your flasks using syringes (trough rubber septums) so that they doesn't come in contact with air either. It is pretty involved when dealing with chemicals such as these.

http://rhodium.lycaeum.org