2C-E
2C-E is a psychedelic substance of the phenethylamine class and a member of the 2C-x family, which is closely related to mescaline.1 First synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in 1977citation needed and later documented in his 1991 book PiHKAL2, Shulgin regarded it as one of the most important phenethylamine compounds, placing it among his "magical half-dozen."citation needed It is distinguished from other 2C-x substances by its particularly intense visual effects, notable physical body load, and stimulating character.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
The dose-response relationship for 2C-E is notably steep, meaning that relatively small increases in dosage can result in significantly more intense effects. Sensitivity to this substance varies widely between individuals.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
Cognitive
The head space of 2C-E is described by many as one which is both insightful and relatively normal in its thought processes even at moderate to high dosages.
Visual
Geometry
The visual geometry of 2C-E can be described as more similar in appearance to that of 4-AcO-DMT or ayahuasca than that of LSD, 2C-B, or 2C-I. They can be comprehensively described as structured in their organization, organic in geometric style, intricate in complexity, large in size, fast and smooth in motion, colourful in scheme, glossy in colour, sharp in their edges, and equally rounded and angular in their corners. They give off a contradictory natural and synthetic feel that at higher dosages are significantly more likely to result in states of Level 7B visual geometry over Level 7A.
Hallucinatory States
2C-E 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, particularly in comparison to other substances within the phenethylamine family.
Auditory
See also: Psychedelic Intensity Scale, Effects of psychedelics (visual, cognitive, miscellaneous)
Reagent Testing
Expected colorimetric results for common reagent tests. Colors show reaction change over 1–2 minutes.
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
In recombinant human receptor systems, 2C-E bound with low-nanomolar affinity at 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. Its functional profile was assay-dependent: it produced partial activation in the 5-HT2A arachidonic-acid-release assay, but full or near-full activation in 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C inositol-phosphate assays. Activity at 5-HT1A was much weaker, with low affinity and less than 20% efficacy at concentrations up to 10 µM.3 These in vitro results should not be read as human dose-response or clinical potency data.
Pharmacokinetics
Rat evidence indicates multiple pathways rather than only deamination and O-demethylation: O-demethylation, N-acetylation, hydroxylation and oxidation of the 4-ethyl substituent, and deamination followed by alcohol or acid formation were observed. Most urinary metabolites in that rat study were conjugated; translation of this profile to humans has not been established.citation needed In a non-controlled observational study of ten experienced users who self-administered 6.5–25 mg orally, unchanged 2C-E in oral fluid reached a mean maximum concentration of 5.8 ± 6.4 ng/mL (range 0.93–21.54) at the first post-dose sample, 2 hours after administration, and declined through 6 hours. These are saliva measurements from a small naturalistic study, not plasma bioavailability, clearance, or elimination-half-life estimates.1
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
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
Psychedelics (though not evenly distributed - some psychedelics may have significantly reduced effects while others are only slightly affected)
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely LowLike most psychedelics, 2C-E is not considered habit-forming. Anecdotal evidence suggests the desire to use it may actually decrease with use due to its powerfully introspective and mentally therapeutic effects.
Physical
Extremely Low2C-E does not appear to be physically addictive. No withdrawal symptoms have been documented.citation needed
Psychosis Risk
Adverse psychological reactions including delirium, agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations have been reported, particularly at higher doses.citation needed User reports describe experiencing auditory hallucinations and paranoid ideation at doses around 25mg. Risk of psychotic symptoms increases significantly when combined with cannabis, dissociatives, stimulants, or lithium.
Seizure Risk
Seizures are rarely observed but are believed to be a risk in predisposed individuals, especially under physically taxing conditions such as dehydration, fatigue, undernourishment, or overheating.
History & Culture
Discovery and Significance
2C-E was first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in 1977. His findings were documented in detail in the 1991 book PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved)citation needed, co-authored with Ann Shulgin. This influential work contained synthesis instructions, bioassays, dosages, and commentary…
Trip Reports
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Legality
International
1961 Single Convention: 2C-E is not individually scheduled.
1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances: 2C-E is not individually scheduled.
1988 Convention: 2C-E is not listed in precursor Tables I or II.
By Country
References
Source Pages
Disregard Everything I Say
Drug Users Bible by Dominic Milton Trott
Drug Users Bible: 2C-E
Drug Users Bible: Index
Erowid
Erowid: 2C-E Vault
Isomer Design (TiHKAL/PiHKAL)
PsychonautWiki
Shulgin & Shulgin: PiHKAL Entry #24 (2C-E)
The Drug Classroom
TripSit Factsheets
TripSit Wiki
TripSit Wiki: 2C-E
TripSit Wiki: 2C-E
TripSit: 2C-E Factsheet
Wikipedia
Citations
- Esther Papaseit, Eulalia Olesti, Clara Pérez-Mañá, Marta Torrens, Marc Grifell, Mireia Ventura, Oscar J. Pozo, Elizabeth B. de Sousa Fernandes Perna, Johannes G. Ramaekers, Rafael de la Torre, & Magí Farré. (2020). Acute Effects of 2C-E in Humans: An Observational Study. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.0023312
- Be Vang Dean, Samuel J. Stellpflug, Aaron M. Burnett, & Kristin M. Engebretsen. (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-x1
- Amy J. Eshleman, Michael J. Forster, Katherine M. Wolfrum, Robert A. Johnson, Aaron Janowsky, & Michael B. Gatch. (March 2014). Behavioral and neurochemical pharmacology of six psychoactive substituted phenethylamines: mouse locomotion, rat drug discrimination and in vitro receptor and transporter binding and function. Psychopharmacology (Berl), 231(5), 875–888. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3303-61
- Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—June 2026) Instrument 2026. legislation.gov.au (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00633/asmade/2026-05-28/text/original/epub/OEBPS/document_1/document_1.html1
- RIS - Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung Anlage II - Bundesrecht konsolidiert, Fassung vom 27.08.2026. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Anlage=2&Artikel=&FassungVom=2026-08-27&Gesetzesnummer=20007642&Paragraf=&ShowPrintPreview=True&Uebergangsrecht=1
- Gesamte Rechtsvorschrift für Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung, Fassung vom 27.08.2026. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/geltendefassung/bundesnormen/20007642/npsv%2C%20fassung%20vom%2027.08.2026.pdf1
- Gesamte Rechtsvorschrift für Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz, Fassung vom 28.08.2026. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/geltendefassung/bundesnormen/20007605/npsg%2C%20fassung%20vom%2028.08.2026.pdf1
- BGBl. II Nr. 106/2024 - Änderung der Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung. ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2024_II_106/BGBLA_2024_II_106.html1
- PubChem CID 24729233 compound properties. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (n.d.). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug/compound/cid/24729233/property/IUPACName,Title,MolecularFormula,InChIKey,CanonicalSMILES/JSON1
- PubChem CID 24729233 synonyms. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (n.d.). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug/compound/cid/24729233/synonyms/JSON12
Further Reading
Article Status
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Recent changes7 human edits · latest
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24 January 2026
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
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