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2C-B (4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) is a phenethylamine psychedelic first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin that occupies a pharmacological space between classical hallucinogens and entactogens. It acts as an agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, with the 2,5-dimethoxy motif contributing to receptor potency, and produces dose-dependent perceptual and emotional effects of relatively short duration. Controlled clinical studies comparing 2C-B with psilocybin and MDMA have found that higher doses can elicit both psychedelic alterations of consciousness and MDMA-like increases in emotional empathy while causing less cardiovascular stimulation and shorter effects than either comparator. Its plasma elimination half-life is approximately 1.3 hours and metabolism proceeds mainly via monoamine oxidases and cytosolic enzymes; reported toxicity is usually moderate, though severe cases including serotonin syndrome, seizures, and cerebral edema have occurred at high doses.
- 5-HT2A phenethylamine psychedelic
- Bright visuals, often more controllable
- Shorter, body-forward experience
- Balanced 5-HT2A psychedelic with entactogenic character
- Nausea and vasoconstriction, especially higher up
- Anxiety or overwhelm at larger exposure
Mechanism
2C-B is a 2,5-dimethoxy phenethylamine that acts mainly as a receptor , the shared route of the classic psychedelics, with 5-HT2C activity as well. Its comparatively gentle, sensory-rich profile and shorter action are typical of the 2C-x family. Unlike a full agonist it behaves as a partial agonist at 5-HT2A, which some link to its more manageable character.
receptor fingerprint
receptorpartial agonist
5-HT2C receptoragonist
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
2C-B has a wider comfort margin than some 2C-x relatives but is still dose-sensitive, and higher exposure can bring anxiety, nausea, vasoconstriction, and a racing heart. It is dangerous with MAOIs (serotonin toxicity and blood-pressure spikes) and should be avoided with a psychosis or bipolar history. As with all research chemicals, purity and correct identity matter. Not medical advice.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
One of the better-characterised Shulgin compounds, with real controlled trials behind it showing less cardiovascular load and a shorter course than psilocybin or MDMA. Still a controlled psychedelic rather than casual territory; dose sensitivity, MAOIs and any psychosis or bipolar history are hard stops.
Resources
No suppliers are provided for compounds like this. This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 2006first cited1-Aminomethylbenzocycloalkanes: conformationally restricted hallucinogenic phenethylamine analo…
- 2020most active year3 papers
- 2026most recentAcute dose-dependent effects of 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B) compared with 3,4-me…
- 1.Investigation of the 2,5-Dimethoxy Motif in Phenethylamine Serotonin 2A Receptor Agonists
- 2.Acute Pharmacological Effects of 2C-B in Humans: An Observational Study
- 3.Acute dose-dependent effects of 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B) compared with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy participants.
- 4.Assessment of the Acute Effects of 2C-B vs. Psilocybin on Subjective Experience, Mood, and Cognition.
- 5.Receptor interaction profiles of novel N-2-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines (2C drugs).
- 6.Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of N-benzyl phenethylamines as 5-HT2A/2C agonists.
- 7.1-Aminomethylbenzocycloalkanes: conformationally restricted hallucinogenic phenethylamine analogues as functionally selective 5-HT2A receptor agonists.
- 8.Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based pharmacokinetic and metabolic analysis of 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine and its metabolites in human plasma.
- 9.The Clinical Toxicology of 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B): The Severity of Poisoning After Exposure to Low to Moderate and High Doses.
- 10.Unexpected Serotonin Syndrome, Epileptic Seizures, and Cerebral Edema Following 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine Ingestion.
- 11.Novel Psychoactive Phenethylamines: Impact on Genetic Material.
11 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
How does it work?
Mainly by partly activating the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, like other classic psychedelics, with some 5-HT2C activity.
How is it different from LSD?
It is usually more visual and body-forward, more controllable for some, and shorter-lived.
What to avoid it with?
MAOIs above all (serotonin toxicity, blood-pressure spikes), and it isn't for people with a psychosis or bipolar history.
Adverse effects
- Nausea and vasoconstriction, especially higher up
- Anxiety or overwhelm at larger exposure
Notes and cautions
- Dose-sensitive; small changes matter