2C-T-21
2C-T-21 is a synthetic psychedelic of the substituted phenethylamine class and a member of the 2C-x family.1 First described by Alexander Shulgin and colleagues in 19911 and later documented in his book PiHKAL,2 it was derived from the systematic modification of the mescaline molecule. Distinguished by its fluoroethyl thioether substitution at the 4-position,12 it remains a relatively obscure research chemical with limited documentation regarding its effects and safety profile.
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Oral administration required. Non-oral routes carry substantial risk of severe adverse effects, including vomiting, dangerous physiological responses, and potentially fatal outcomes.
Duration
Subjective Effects
The experience comes on very gradually, typically taking an hour to become noticeable and reaching full intensity by the end of the second hour. It is generally described as a gentle, warm, and non-threatening material characterized by clear thinking, enhanced communication, and a growing sense of closeness with others. Visuals are comparatively subdued, and the compound is repeatedly noted as easy on the body, though higher doses bring a considerable push of energy that can feel restless.
Physical
The body feeling is warm and energetic, generally safe and comfortable, though higher doses produce a push of energy accompanied by restlessness. Chills can occur during onset, along with yawning and ear-popping; appetite effects vary, with decreased appetite reported by some and unusual hunger by others.
Cognitive
The headspace is notably clear and communicative, with empathy, insight, and a softening of the ego rather than dramatic alterations of consciousness. Mood is generally warm and peaceful, though it can occasionally turn faintly grim, and confusion is possible.
Visual
Visuals are present but understated, described in one account as not too pronounced.
Tactile
Reagent Testing
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Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
2C-T-21 acts as a partial agonist at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor with high affinity (Ki = 27 nM),3 which is believed to underlie its psychedelic effects. It produces the head-twitch response in rodents, a behavioral proxy for psychedelic activity.3 Due to its structural similarity to 2C-T-2 and 2C-T-7, 2C-T-21 is also speculated to possess monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) properties, though this has not been confirmed.
Pharmacokinetics
Very little data exists regarding the metabolism of 2C-T-21. It has been hypothesized that fluoroacetate, a toxic compound, may be produced as a metabolite.
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
Serotonergic psychedelics
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
Extremely Low2C-T-21 is not generally associated with compulsive use; repeated experiences may lessen a person's interest in taking it again. Its use is typically self-limiting.
Toxicity
If the hypothesized fluoroacetate metabolite theory is correct, sub-lethal doses may theoretically cause damage to tissues with high metabolic demands; this remains unconfirmed in human studies and should not be assumed to occur at typical doses.
Seizure Risk
A tonic-clonic seizure was documented in the one fatal case, which involved an unknown but presumably very high dose.5 These symptoms are consistent with fluoroacetate poisoning.4 Seizure risk at typical doses (8-12 mg) is unknown due to limited human data.
History & Culture
Discovery and Synthesis
2C-T-21 was first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin, representing the final compound in the 2C-T series to be completed. Shulgin and colleagues first described the substance in scientific literature in 1991,1 with detailed documentation appearing in his book
Legality
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- (January 1991). Central nervous system (CNS) activity of two new psychoactive compounds. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 23(1), 95–96. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1991.104725831234
- Shulgin AT, & Shulgin A. (1991). PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press. https://erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal049.shtml12
- (January 2023). Use of the head-twitch response to investigate the structure-activity relationships of 4-thio-substituted 2,5-dimethoxyphenylalkylamines. Psychopharmacology, 240(1), 115–126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-022-06279-2123
- Proudfoot AT, Bradberry SM, & Vale JA. (2006). Sodium Fluoroacetate Poisoning. Toxicological Reviews, 25(4), 213-219. https://doi.org/10.2165/00139709-200625040-0000212
- Penny Brown Roberts. (2004-07-23). La. man's death leads to drug arrests. The Advocate. https://erowid.org/chemicals/2ct21/2ct21_article1.shtml1
- (n.d.). DEA Announces Arrests and Investigation, July 22 2004 (Operation Web Tryp). https://erowid.org/psychoactives/research_chems/research_chems_info1.shtml123
- Jace Radke. (July 23, 2004). Men face charges in Internet drug probe. Las Vegas Sun. https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/jul/23/men-face-charges-in-internet-drug-probe/12
- (2016-05-04). Regulations Amending the Food and Drug Regulations (Part J — 2C-phenethylamines), SOR/2016-73. Canada Gazette, Part II. https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2016/2016-05-04/html/sor-dors73-eng.html1
- (2016-11-26). Neue-psychoaktive-Stoffe-Gesetz (NpSG) vom 21. November 2016. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/BJNR261510016.html1
- (2019). § 4 NpSG. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/__4.html1
- (2019). § 3 NpSG. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/npsg/__3.html1
- (n.d.). Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Schedule 2 Part I — Class A Drugs. UK Government / legislation.gov.uk. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/schedule/2/part/I1
Further Reading
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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