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Most people have heard of mescaline, LSD, and MDMA — but only serious psychonauts are familiar with the 2C substances.
The most popular members of the group are 2C-B and 2C-I — but there are dozens of other compounds that share similar effects.
Learning about the 2Cs is one of the best ways to understand psychedelic chemistry. The legendary chemist, Alexander Shulgin, created the group by systematically modifying the base molecule for mescaline by adding slightly different functional groups to one side of the molecule and then testing their effects.
Some of these creations proved to be formidable psychedelics and empathogens.
What Are 2C Psychedelics?
The 2CX family is derived from mescaline. They’re members of the greater phenethylamine class of psychedelics and are characterized by the presence of 2 carbon atoms located between a benzene ring and an amino group (hence the name “2C,” which implies “2 carbons”).
All 2C compounds contain 2 methoxy groups at the 2 and 5 positions of a central benzene ring. This leaves two additional regions for other functional groups to be attached. Shulgin would attach all kinds of different molecules to the R3 and R4 positions. In general, lipophilic functional groups at the R4 position produce the strongest and longest-lasting psychedelic effects.
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Simple 2C-X Compounds
Most members of the 2C-X group are considered “basic” in that they feature alterations to the R3 or R4 positions on the base molecule. More complicated alterations include the benzofurans and NBOMe compounds.
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Most Popular 2C-X Psychedelics
There are well over 70 known members of the 2C-X family of psychedelics —here are some of the most common members of the 2C family.
2C-B
2C-B is the most popular of Alexander Shulgin’s discoveries. It’s widely used in rave subculture for its blend of entactogen and psychedelic qualities. The best way to describe the effects of this compound is that it’s somewhere in between MDMA and LSD.
In the 80s, A german pharmaceutical company, sold 2C-B under the name ‘Nexus’ in sex shops as a tool for boosting sexual connection and intimacy. 2C-B is still used for this purpose today.
2C-C
2C-C has a relatively simple structure — featuring just one chlorine molecule in the R4 position.
The effects of this compound are milder and more coherent than most 2C , but it can also be a bit sedative in higher doses. It’s more relaxing than 2C-B but maintains the euphoric and aphrodisiac qualities this group is known for.
2C-C is loved for its ability to maintain a coherent headspace while still providing euphoric, psychedelic, and empathogenic effects. What makes this compound unique is its notable relaxing (even sedative) effects on the body while maintaining feelings of mental alertness.
2C-D
2C-D (AKA 2C-M or LE-25) is known for its mild nature and short duration of effects. Shulgin referred to it as “pharmacological tofu” because he believed it could potentiate the psychedelic effects of other compounds but lacked any significant “psychedelic flavor” of its own.
Structurally, 2C-D features a methyl group at the R4 location. It’s an analog of another psychedelic compound called DOM (a substituted amphetamine psychedelic).
2C-E
2C-E is the third-most-popular member of the 2C psychedelic group, according to a 2019 study. Its popularity is surprising due to the “challenging” nature associated with this compound.
The experience tends to follow an ebb and flow with increasing intensity, followed by periods of deep introspection. Some people find the effects to be too rapid and sudden, leading to “challenging” experiences.
Structurally, 2C-E contains an ethyl group on the R4 position.
How does it make you feel?
The 2C family are classed as psychedelics (hallucinogens) but they can also produce stimulant effects.
As hallucinogens, they can make you experience reality in a distorted way that may cause hallucinations (seeing and hearing things that aren’t there).
As stimulants, they can make you feel awake, alert and affectionate towards people around you.
- energised and alert
- extra aware of colours, sounds and smells
- very sensitive to touch and sexually aroused
They can also make you:
- happy and in tune with your surroundings (similar to ecstasy), especially if taken in smaller doses
- see the world around you as being distorted, this is sometimes called ‘visuals’
- hallucinate, especially if taken in larger doses
