2C-T-4
2C-T-4 is a synthetic psychedelic of the substituted phenethylamine and 2C-x families.1 First described by Alexander Shulgin and colleagues in 19912 and later detailed in his book PiHKAL,3 it is an orally administered research chemical. Compared to more commonly encountered members of the 2C-T-x series such as 2C-T-2 and 2C-T-7, it is distinguished by a notably longer onset and duration of effects.3
Contents
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Shulgin reported a highly intense experience at just 12 mg; individual sensitivity varies considerably. Onset can be slow, taking up to two hours before full effects manifest.
Duration
Subjective Effects
2C-T-4 produces a long, gradually unfolding psychedelic experience with an onset that can stretch over three hours, followed by a decline as gradual and gentle as the climb. The character of the experience is dominated by mental clarity, insight, and a calm, benign emotional tone, with visual effects that are relatively modest for the intensity of the state. At a dose of 12 mg it has been documented as capable of producing a full 'plus-four' peak experience, and residual stimulation can persist into the night, interfering with sleep. Higher doses can introduce a mentally difficult period during the come-up, and some experiences shift toward dark, dysphoric territory.
Physical
The body load is generally comfortable, with less of the pushy body-energy that makes related compounds difficult for some, though residual chemical push can cause tiredness and sleeplessness at the end of the experience. Persistent cold extremities and an uncertain stomach when moving around have been reported, along with slowness and a need for napping the following day.
Stimulation
Cognitive
The headspace is notably rational, good-humored, and lucid, with growing clarity of thought and impressive insights; users remain capable of phone calls and other everyday tasks at moderate doses. This calm can give way to difficulty at higher doses, including feeling locked into illogical patterns of thought or a darkening of mood that resists reasoning away.
Emotional
Enhancements
Visual
Visual effects are mild relative to the depth of the mental state; some experiences feature no particular visuals at all, while others include brilliant color trails.
Enhancements
Auditory
Reagent Testing
Loading reagent data
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
2C-T-4 acts as a serotonin 5-HT2 receptor agonist, with activity at the 5-HT2A receptor most likely responsible for its hallucinogenic properties.45 This mechanism of action is shared by other hallucinogenic phenethylamines and tryptamines.
Pharmacokinetics
2C-T-4 is metabolized by the monoamine oxidase enzymes MAO-A and MAO-B.16
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
Toxicity
No lethal-dose or LD50 data were identified. MAOIs may potentiate 2C drugs and may result in overdose and serious toxicity; combining with MAOIs may create a medical emergency.
A qualitative report described an unsettled stomach while moving around.7
Reports describe persistent cold feet, strong stimulation near bedtime, tiredness, reduced sleep, and next-day slowing with need for a nap.
History & Culture
2C-T-4 was first documented in the scientific literature by Alexander Shulgin and his colleagues in a 1991 journal article.2 Later that same year, Shulgin provided a more comprehensive account of the compound in his book PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known…
Legality
By Country
References
Source Pages
Citations
- (n.d.). 2C-T-4 was first described in the [[scientific literature]] by [[Alexander Shulgin]] and colleagues in 1991.<ref name="Shulgin_1991" /> Shortly after this, Shulgin described 2C-T-1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-013-0295-x12
- (January 1991). Letters to the Editor [Re: Stolaroff (1990) - Central Nervous System (CNS) Activity of Two New Psychoactive Compounds]. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 23(1), 95–96. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1991.1047258312
- Shulgin A, & Shulgin A. (1991). PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press.1234
- (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.2015.08.0341
- (May 2018). Monoamine receptor interaction profiles of 4-thio-substituted phenethylamines (2C-T drugs). Neuropharmacology, 134(Pt A), 141–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.0121
- (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.2006.09.0221
- Alexander Shulgin. (2017). The Shulgin Lab Books: Pharmacology Notes B (1986). Erowid. https://erowid.org/library/books_online/shulgin_labbooks/shulgin_pharmacology_notebookb_searchable.pdf1
- (4 May 2016). Order Amending Schedule III to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (2C-phenethylamines). Canada Gazette. https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2016/2016-05-04/html/sor-dors73-eng.html1
- (n.d.). Förordning (1999:58) om förbud mot vissa hälsofarliga varor. Sveriges riksdag. https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/forordning-199958-om-forbud-mot-vissa_sfs-1999-58/1
- (n.d.). 21 U.S.C. § 812 — Schedules of controlled substances. Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title21-section812&num=0&edition=prelim1
Further Reading
ACMD. '2C-Phenethylamines: A Review of the Evidence' (UK Home Office, 2014)
EMCDDA Europol Early-Warning System: 2C-T-4 Reports (case series 2012–2019)
PubChem: Compound Summary for CID 135359 (2C-T-4)
Wagmann et al. 'Interactions of phenethylamine-derived psychoactive substances of the 2C-series with human monoamine oxidases' - Drug Testing and Analysis (2019)
Automated synthesisInformation aggregated and synthesized using an autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins.
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