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 19771 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."3 It is distinguished from other 2C-x substances by its particularly intense visual effects, notable physical body load, and stimulating character.
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
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
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
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
2C-E acts as a serotonin 5-HT2 receptor agonist, with 5-HT2A receptor activation considered primarily responsible for its psychedelic effects.1 It has been described as a partial agonist at the 5-HT2A receptor and has been shown to stimulate G protein binding.4 2C-E is inactive as a monoamine releasing agent and has negligible activity as a monoamine reuptake inhibitor.4
Pharmacokinetics
In rat models, Phase I metabolism of 2C-E involves deamination and O-demethylation, catalyzed by monoamine oxidase enzymes (MAO-A and MAO-B) and cytochrome P450 enzymes respectively.5 CYP2D6 has been identified as contributing to metabolism to a small extent.5
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
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.6
Psychosis Risk
Adverse psychological reactions including delirium, agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations have been reported, particularly at higher doses.2 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)3, co-authored with Ann Shulgin. This influential work contained synthesis instructions, bioassays, dosages, and…
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
- (2020). Acute Effects of 2C-E in Humans: An Observational Study. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00233123
- (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
- Alexander Shulgin, & Ann Shulgin. (1991). PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press. https://www.erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal024.shtml1234
- (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/s00213-013-3303-612
- (January 2007). Identification of monoamine oxidase and cytochrome P450 isoenzymes involved in the deamination of phenethylamine-derived designer drugs (2C-series). Biochem Pharmacol, 73(2), 287–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2006.09.02212
- Nichols DE. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264-355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.0114781
- (2012). Fatal toxic leukoencephalopathy secondary to overdose of a new psychoactive designer drug 2C-E ("Europa"). Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, 25(4), 374–376. https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2012.119288831
- (n.d.). Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Schedule III. laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/page-17.html1
- (2019). Gesetz über den Verkehr mit Betäubungsmitteln: Anlage I. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/btmg_1981/anlage_i.html1
- (2025). Verordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien (BetmVV-EDI), Anhang 5 (Verzeichnis e). Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft / fedlex.admin.ch. https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/filestore/fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/cc/2011/363/20250515/de/pdf-a/fedlex-data-admin-ch-eli-cc-2011-363-20250515-de-pdf-a.pdf1
- (n.d.). Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. gov.uk. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/controlled-drugs-list--2/list-of-most-commonly-encountered-drugs-currently-controlled-under-the-misuse-of-drugs-legislation1
- (n.d.). 21 CFR § 1308.11(d). ecfr.gov. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/part-1308/section-1308.111
Further Reading
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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