data + articles · 4 listed
newest 2020spec sheet10 rows
2C-H is the 4-unsubstituted parent of the 2C family, in which the 4-position is occupied only by hydrogen. Although it retains the 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine scaffold that supports 5-HT2A receptor binding, it is essentially inactive as a psychedelic in humans because, lacking a protective 4-substituent, it is rapidly deaminated by monoamine oxidase before it can produce sustained central effects. Its principal significance is as a synthetic precursor from which the other 4-substituted 2C compounds are prepared. Structure-activity studies of the 2,5-dimethoxy scaffold and receptor-profiling surveys include 2C-H as the baseline reference point against which 4-position modifications are compared.
- Parent structure of the 2C family
- Useful mainly as a chemical precursor
- Unsubstituted 2C parent inactivated by rapid oxidative deamination
- Potentially dangerous and unpredictable if combined with an MAOI
Mechanism
2C-H is 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine with only a hydrogen at the 4-position, so it lacks the 4-substituent that gives the other 2C compounds their potency. On top of that it is a good substrate for monoamine oxidase, which degrades it rapidly before meaningful central effects can build, so in practice it produces little to no psychedelic activity. It is chiefly a synthetic building block for making other 2C-x molecules.
receptor fingerprint
Monoamine oxidaserapid substrate
receptoragonist (very weak in practice)
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
Because 2C-H is largely inactive on its own, the main concern is what happens when it is not: taken together with an MAOI, its rapid breakdown is blocked and unpredictable effects could emerge, which makes that combination a serious hazard. It should not be assumed harmless, and any material sold as a research chemical may be impure or mislabeled. People with cardiovascular problems or a psychosis history should avoid experimenting with it. Not medical advice.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
No reason to take it. Monoamine oxidase destroys it before it does anything, so the only way to make it active is the one combination that makes it genuinely dangerous. Its real value is as a chemical precursor and a reference structure for the rest of the 2C family.
Resources
This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 2013first cited2C or not 2C: phenethylamine designer drug review
- 2020most recentInvestigation of the 2,5-Dimethoxy Motif in Phenethylamine Serotonin 2A Receptor Agonists.
- 1.2C or not 2C: phenethylamine designer drug review
- 2.Interactions of phenethylamine-derived psychoactive substances of the 2C-series with human monoamine oxidases
- 3.Receptor interaction profiles of novel N-2-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines (2C drugs).
- 4.Investigation of the 2,5-Dimethoxy Motif in Phenethylamine Serotonin 2A Receptor Agonists.
4 listed here; entry last updated July 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
Why is 2C-H inactive?
It lacks the 4-position substituent needed for strong 5-HT2A activity and is broken down very quickly by monoamine oxidase.
What is it used for?
Mainly as a chemical precursor for synthesizing other 2C compounds, not as a substance taken for effect.
Is it safe because it is inactive?
No. Combining it with an MAOI could block its breakdown and produce unpredictable effects, so that pairing is a real hazard.
Adverse effects
- Potentially dangerous and unpredictable if combined with an MAOI
Notes and cautions
- Essentially inactive alone, which invites unsafe redosing
- Research-chemical purity concerns