2C-D
2C-D is a synthetic psychedelic of the substituted phenethylamine class and a member of the 2C-x family.1 First described in the literature in 19702, its effects in humans were characterized by Alexander Shulgin in 19753, who notably referred to it as "pharmacological tofu" for its ability to extend or potentiate other substances without strongly coloring the experience.4 2C-D is generally considered milder than related compounds like 2C-B4 and produces short-lived effects with an unusually wide dose range.4
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Dose response is reported to be steep, with small increases of a few milligrams in the low-to-mid range producing pronounced changes in effect intensity.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
The physical effects of 2C-D can be broken down into several components which progressively intensify proportional to dosage.
Cognitive
The head space of 2C-D is described by many as one which is both insightful and relatively normal in its thought processes even at moderate to high dosages. The feeling of "unaltered consciousness" may be bothersome to trippers that are willing to experience events and concepts from a shifting point of view, since on 2C-D everything is fairly normal, stable and therefore rather uninteresting.
Visual
Distortions
2C-D presents a full and complete array of possible visual distortions.
Enhancements
2C-D presents a full and complete array of possible visual enhancements.
Geometry
The visual geometry that is present throughout this trip can be described as more similar in appearance to that of DOM or 25D-NBOMe than that of LSD, 2C-B or 2C-I. They can be comprehensively described as structured in their organization, organic in style, intricate in complexity, large in size, slow and smooth in motion, colourful in scheme, bright in colour, blurred in its edges and equally rounded and angular in its corners. They give off a natural feel to them at higher dosages. Whilst the final level of 2C-D geometry 2C-D has yet to be formally confirmed, it seems more likely that it would result in states of Level 8B visual geometry over Level 8A.
Hallucinatory States
2C-D produces a full range of high level hallucinatory states in a fashion that is more consistent and reproducible than that of many other commonly used psychedelics. This holds particularly true in comparison to other substances within the phenethylamine family.
Auditory
The auditory effects of 2C-D are common in their occurrence and exhibit a full range of effects.
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
2C-D acts as a partial agonist of the serotonin 5-HT2A5, 5-HT2B6, and 5-HT2C5 receptors. Its psychedelic effects are believed to stem primarily from its activity at the 5-HT2A receptor7, though the precise mechanisms by which this interaction produces the psychedelic experience remain incompletely understood.
Pharmacokinetics
2C-D is metabolized by the monoamine oxidase enzymes MAO-A and MAO-B.8 In rat studies, phase I metabolism involved deamination and O-demethylation, processes related to MAO and cytochrome P450 enzymes.98 CYP2D6 appears to play a minor additional role in its metabolism.8
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Unsafe
AvoidThere is considerable risk of physical harm when taking these combinations, they should be avoided where possible.
Caution
Use cautionThese combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Synergistic effects may be unpredictable. Care should be taken when choosing to use this combination.
Tolerance
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely Low2C-D is not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is described as self-regulating and is not known to be associated with compulsive use patterns.
Physical
Extremely LowPhysical dependence is considered extremely unlikely. No withdrawal syndrome has been documented.
Psychosis Risk
Severe mental confusion and paranoia are listed among possible negative effects at higher doses, though specific psychosis risk from 2C-D alone has not been systematically studied.
History & Culture
Discovery and Early Research
The synthesis of 2C-D was first documented in scientific literature by Beng T. Ho and colleagues at the Texas Research Institute of Mental Sciences in 1970, who described both its preparation and pharmacological activity in animals.2 However, Alexander Shulgin had…
Trip Reports
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Legality
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- (June 2013). 2C or not 2C: phenethylamine designer drug review. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 9(2), 172–178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-013-0295-x123
- (January 1970). Amphetamine analogs. II. Methylated phenethylamines. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 13(1), 134–135. https://doi.org/10.1021/jm00295a03412
- (1975). Centrally active phenethylamines. Psychopharmacology Communications, 1(1), 93–98. https://bibliography.maps.org/resources/download/904512
- Shulgin A, & Shulgin A. (1991). PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press. https://www.erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal023.shtml1234
- (June 2007). Functional selectivity of hallucinogenic phenethylamine and phenylisopropylamine derivatives at human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A and 5-HT2C receptors. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 321(3), 1054–1061. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.106.1175071234
- (December 2015). Receptor interaction profiles of novel N-2-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines (2C drugs). Neuropharmacology, 99, 546–553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.08.03412
- Nichols DE. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264–355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.011478123
- (January 2007). Identification of monoamine oxidase and cytochrome P450 isoenzymes involved in the deamination of phenethylamine-derived designer drugs (2C-series). Biochemical Pharmacology, 73(2), 287–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2006.09.022123
- (November 2006). Studies on the metabolism and toxicological detection of the designer drug 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methyl-beta- phenethylamine (2C-D) in rat urine using gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric techniques. Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 41(11), 1509–1519. https://doi.org/10.1002/jms.11281
- (n.d.). Subacute evaluation, 2-C-DOM!. PiHKAL. https://isomerdesign.com/pihkal/notebooks/transcripts/p1/p1.94.pdf12
- (n.d.). Acute Trials, 2-C-DOM!. PiHKAL. https://isomerdesign.com/pihkal/notebooks/transcripts/p1/p1.175.pdf1
- (n.d.). 21 U.S. Code § 812 - Schedules of controlled substances. Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/81212
- (n.d.). Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung, Anlage 2 (NPSV Annex 2). RIS - Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes. https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=20007642&FassungVom=2021-11-19&Anlage=21
- (4 May 2016). Canada Gazette – Regulations Amending the Food and Drug Regulations (Part J — 2C-phenethylamines). http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2016/2016-05-04/html/sor-dors72-eng.php1
- (n.d.). Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule III, Item 35. Justice Laws Website. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/section-sched95602.html1
- (2019). Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Betäubungsmitteln: Anlage I. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_i.html1
- (2019). Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Betäubungsmitteln: § 29. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/__29.html1
- (2005). Noteikumi par Latvijā kontrolējamajām narkotiskajām vielām, psihotropajām vielām un prekursoriem. http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=1210861
- (2024). Wijziging van de Opiumwet in verband met het toevoegen van een derde lijst met als doel het tegengaan van de productie van en de handel in nieuwe psychoactieve stoffen en enkele andere wijzigingen (Dutch). https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/wetsvoorstellen/detail?id=2022Z14042&dossier=361591
- (n.d.). Förordning (1999:58) om förbud mot vissa hälsofarliga varor (consolidated with SFS 2005:641). Sveriges riksdag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/forordning-199958-om-forbud-mot-vissa_sfs-1999-58/1
- (2013). https://free-ankara.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/BKK_2013_4827_28688.pdf. https://free-ankara.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/BKK_2013_4827_28688.pdf1
- (1971). Schedule 2: Part I: Class A Drugs. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/schedule/2/part/I1
- (2012). Public Law 112-144 - Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-112publ1441
- (n.d.). 21 U.S. Code § 822 - Persons required to register. Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/8221
Further Reading
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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