spec sheet11 rows
25I-NBOMe is the N-(2-methoxybenzyl) derivative of 2C-I and the best-known member of the NBOMe family, sometimes sold on blotter paper as "N-bomb." The 2-methoxybenzyl substitution raises 5-HT2A receptor affinity into the sub-nanomolar range and yields a highly potent full agonist, a property exploited in neuroscience through its radiolabeled analogue 11C-CIMBI-5, used as a 5-HT2A agonist radioligand for positron-emission-tomography imaging of the receptor's active state. Pharmacological studies attribute its hallucinogenic activity and its effects on cortical dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate release chiefly to 5-HT2A with a contribution from 5-HT2C, and it is metabolized largely by CYP3A4. The compound is essentially inactive orally and is taken sublingually; a large clinical and forensic literature documents numerous poisonings and deaths, frequently after it was mis-sold as LSD, as well as persistent sequelae such as hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder.
- Extremely potent, stimulating 5-HT2A agonist
- Radiolabeled form used as a research PET tracer
- Sub-nanomolar 5-HT2A agonist; basis of the CIMBI PET tracers
- Severe vasoconstriction and high blood pressure
- Seizures, hyperthermia, and cardiac arrest
Mechanism
25I-NBOMe is 2C-I with a 2-methoxybenzyl group on the nitrogen, a change that hugely increases binding affinity and potency at the receptor; a radiolabeled version (Cimbi-5) has been used as a PET tracer for that receptor. Its psychedelic and physiological effects flow from very powerful 5-HT2A agonism, with additional 5-HT2C activity. It is broken down in the gut, so it is inactive when swallowed and is taken sublingually or by other non-oral routes.
receptor fingerprint
receptoragonist
5-HT2C receptoragonist
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
25I-NBOMe is active at extremely small amounts, so tiny measurement errors can be dangerous and the safety margin is very narrow. It can cause severe vasoconstriction, dangerously high blood pressure, seizures, extreme agitation, hyperthermia, kidney injury, and cardiac arrest, and many deaths have been reported. It must never be combined with stimulants, vasoconstrictors, or serotonergic drugs, and because it is frequently mis-sold as LSD, a blotter is not proof of its identity; people with heart problems or a psychosis history should avoid it. Not medical advice.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
Avoid this one. It is active at microgram amounts with almost no margin for error, it has killed people through severe vasoconstriction, seizures, hyperthermia and cardiac arrest, and it is routinely mis-sold as LSD, so a blotter tells you nothing. Its only legitimate life is as a PET tracer.
Resources
This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 2010first citedRadiosynthesis and evaluation of 11C-CIMBI-5 as a 5-HT2A receptor agonist radioligand for PET.
- 2015most active year4 papers
- 2023most recent25X-NBOMe compounds - chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. A comprehensive review.
- 1.25X-NBOMe compounds - chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. A comprehensive review.
- 2.25I-NBOMe related death in Australia: a case report.
- 3.Receptor interaction profiles of novel N-2-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines (2C drugs).
- 4.Radiosynthesis and evaluation of 11C-CIMBI-5 as a 5-HT2A receptor agonist radioligand for PET.
- 5.Pharmacology and Toxicology of N-Benzylphenethylamine ("NBOMe") Hallucinogens.
- 6.Comparative neuropharmacology of N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (NBOMe) hallucinogens and their 2C counterparts in male rats.
- 7.Contribution of serotonin receptor subtypes to hallucinogenic activity of 25I-NBOMe and to its effect on neurotransmission.
- 8.Effects of the hallucinogen 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (2C-I) and superpotent N-benzyl derivatives on the head twitch response.
- 9.Characterization of the hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of 25I-NBOMe and 25I-NBOH.
- 10.Studies on the metabolism and toxicological detection of the new psychoactive designer drug 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine (25I-NBOMe) in human and rat urine using GC-MS, LC-MS(n), and LC-HR-MS/MS.
- 11.A retrospective analysis of the "Neverending Trip" after administration of a potent full agonist of 5-HT2A receptor - 25I-NBOMe.
- 12.A case of 25I-NBOMe (25-I) intoxication: a new potent 5-HT2A agonist designer drug.
14 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
What is 'N-bomb'?
It is a street name for 25I-NBOMe and related NBOMe compounds, often sold on blotter and mistaken for LSD.
Can you swallow it?
No, it is broken down in the gut and is inactive orally; it is used sublingually.
Why is it so dangerous?
It is active at tiny amounts with a narrow margin and can cause seizures, severe vasoconstriction, and cardiac arrest; many deaths have occurred.
Adverse effects
- Severe vasoconstriction and high blood pressure
- Seizures, hyperthermia, and cardiac arrest
Notes and cautions
- Very narrow safety margin
- Frequently mis-sold as LSD ('N-bomb')