2M2B
2M2B is a tertiary alcohol that produces depressant, hypnotic, and anxiolytic effects.citation needed Historically used as a component of anesthetic preparations, it has more recently gained attention as a recreational substance. Its effects are similar to but distinct from those of ethanol, though it is roughly 20 times more potent by weight. It occurs naturally as a byproduct of grain fermentation and has a strong solvent-like odor with a burning taste.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Cases of unconsciousness and death have occurred with oral doses in the range of 18–30 mL, with 30 mL representing the lowest documented fatal dose in humans.
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
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
2-Methyl-2-butanol acts primarily as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors.citation needed It has been reported to inhibit binding at a proconvulsant site on the receptor, facilitating chloride ion conductance into neurons and raising the excitation threshold required for neuronal firing. Its action at GABA-A receptors has been characterized as broadly similar to that of ethanol.
Pharmacokinetics
As a tertiary alcohol, 2-methyl-2-butanol cannot be metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase, preventing the formation of aldehyde intermediates that characterize primary alcohol metabolism.citation needed In rats, it is primarily metabolized via glucuronidation, with a secondary oxidative pathway producing 2-methyl-2,3-butanediol. The same metabolic route is thought to apply in humans, though some older literature suggests it may be largely excreted unchanged.
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.
Tolerance
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
GABAergic depressants
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
ModerateModerately addictive with a high potential for abuse and capable of causing psychological dependence among certain users. Compulsive redosing is commonly reported. Cravings may occur when chronic use is discontinued.
Physical
HighAs with other GABA receptor agonists, repeated use results in a withdrawal syndrome upon abrupt discontinuation resembling alcohol, barbiturate, or benzodiazepine withdrawal, up to and including delirium tremens.
History & Culture
2-Methyl-2-butanol, historically known as amylene hydrate, was used as an anesthetic from approximately the 1880s through the 1950s.citation needed However, its medical use was limited due to the availability of more effective anesthetic agents. During the 1930s, the compound found its primary…
Legality
By Country
GermanyPrescription medicine (Anlage 1 AMVV)References
Source Pages
Citations
- Robert E. Meyer, & Richard E. Fish. (November 2005). A review of tribromoethanol anesthesia for production of genetically engineered mice and rats. Lab Animal, 34(10), 47–52. https://doi.org/10.1038/laban1105-471
- Anlage 1 AMVV – Arzneimittelverschreibungsverordnung (Anlage 1 zu § 1 Nr. 1 und § 5). Bundesministerium der Justiz / gesetze-im-internet.de (n.d.). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/amvv/anlage_1.html1
- The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (Commencement) Regulations 2016 (SI 2016/553). legislation.gov.uk (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/553/made1
- Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, sections 4, 5, and 8. legislation.gov.uk (n.d.). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/21
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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