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2C-D is a 2C-series psychedelic phenethylamine carrying a methyl group at the 4-position of the 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine ring. It acts principally through agonism at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, for which the 2C scaffold confers nanomolar affinity and partial-agonist functional activity, and it is generally described as short-acting and comparatively mild, sometimes with a subtle, thought-oriented rather than heavily visual character. In vitro it produces only limited monoamine oxidase inhibition. It has been documented in the urine of users by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and features in European monitoring of new phenethylamines. Owing to its relatively low potency it has also been discussed as a candidate for low-dose exploratory use, though controlled human data remain limited.
- Classic 5-HT2A serotonergic psychedelic
- Often described as mild and short
- Subtle, less overwhelming character
- Short, mild 5-HT2A agonist with subtle cognitive character
- Nausea and vasoconstriction
- Anxiety at higher amounts
Mechanism
2C-D is 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine bearing a methyl group at the 4-position; it acts as an at the receptor, the central psychedelic target, with secondary serotonin receptor activity. Like the other 2C compounds it lacks the amphetamine alpha-methyl group, giving it a shorter and less stimulating profile than the DOx series.
receptor fingerprint
receptoragonist
5-HT2C receptoragonist
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
2C-D is on the milder end of the family, but strength is still easy to misjudge and higher exposure brings nausea, anxiety, and vasoconstriction. As with all serotonergic psychedelics, combining it with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs risks serotonin toxicity, and people with cardiovascular problems or a psychosis history should avoid it. Not medical advice.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
The gentlest way into the 2C family, short enough not to consume a whole day, and unusually well documented for a research chemical thanks to Shulgin's own dose ranges. It is still a serotonergic psychedelic; keep it away from MAOIs and other serotonergic drugs, and skip it entirely with cardiac or psychosis history.
Resources
This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 2008first citedLiquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure ionization electrospray mass spectrometry determinat…
- 2019most recentInteractions of phenethylamine-derived psychoactive substances of the 2C-series with human mono…
- 1.Receptor interaction profiles of novel N-2-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines (2C drugs)
- 2.Behavioral and neurochemical pharmacology of six psychoactive substituted phenethylamines: mouse locomotion, rat drug discrimination and in vitro receptor and transporter binding and function
- 3.Interactions of phenethylamine-derived psychoactive substances of the 2C-series with human monoamine oxidases.
- 4.Liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure ionization electrospray mass spectrometry determination of "hallucinogenic designer drugs" in urine of consumers.
- 5.2C or not 2C: phenethylamine designer drug review.
- 6.New phenethylamines in Europe.
6 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
Is 2C-D strong?
It is usually described as one of the milder and shorter 2C compounds, though individual response varies.
How does it work?
Mainly through agonism at the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor.
What is the key interaction to avoid?
MAOIs and other strongly serotonergic drugs, which can cause serotonin toxicity.
Adverse effects
- Nausea and vasoconstriction
- Anxiety at higher amounts
Notes and cautions
- Strength still easy to misjudge