2C-T (2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylthiophenethylamine) is the parent compound of the 2C-T-x series — a family of thio-substituted psychedelic phenethylamines synthesized and characterized by Alexander Shulgin . The "T" in its name denotes the sulfur (thio) atom at the 4-position of the aromatic ring, replacing the carbon-linked substituents found in other 2C compounds like 2C-D (methyl) or 2C-B (bromine).
As a psychedelic, 2C-T produces moderate effects at doses of 60-100 mg orally, making it substantially less potent than its more famous descendants 2C-T-2 and 2C-T-7, which are active at 10-25 mg . The experience lasts approximately 3-5 hours and includes mild visual enhancement, gentle empathogenic warmth, and subtle cognitive shifts. Shulgin considered 2C-T relatively unremarkable on its own but recognized its structural importance as the foundation from which the entire 2C-T-x series was developed .
The pharmacological significance of the thio-substituted phenethylamines extends beyond their psychedelic effects — compounds in this class demonstrate notable monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibiting properties, introducing unique drug interaction risks not present with non-sulfur 2C compounds .
References
- Shulgin, A.T. & Shulgin, A. PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press, 1991.
- Luethi, D. et al. "Monoamine receptor interaction profiles of 4-thio-substituted phenethylamines (2C-T drugs)." Neuropharmacology, 123, 2017.
Safety at a Glance
High Risk- C-not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating.
- Canada: 2C-T would be considered Schedule III as it is a derivative of 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine.
- Toxicity: The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 2C-T use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific...
- Overdose risk: Fatal overdose from 2C-T alone, at doses within the typical recreational range, is extremely unli...
If someone is in crisis, call 911 or Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Dosage
oral
Duration
oral
Total: 3 hrs – 6 hrsHow It Feels
The onset unfolds over forty-five minutes to an hour with a gentle, steady build. A warmth gathers in the stomach and radiates outward through the torso, occasionally accompanied by mild nausea that passes within the first hour. The first perceptual shifts are subtle -- a brightening of colors, a slightly heightened awareness of sounds and textures, and a growing sense that the world has become marginally more interesting. The body responds with a light, comfortable stimulation that is far removed from the aggressive push of the NBOMe compounds.
As the experience reaches its full development around ninety minutes to two hours in, the visual effects settle into a state of moderate, pleasant enhancement. Colors are warmer and more vivid, with earth tones and greens appearing particularly enriched. Surfaces develop a gentle breathing quality, and textures seem to reveal hidden layers of detail when examined closely. Geometric patterns, when they appear, are soft and organic -- flowing forms that emerge and dissolve like shapes seen in clouds or moving water. The visual character is naturalistic and unforced, closer in spirit to mescaline than to the synthetic precision of the NBOx compounds.
The headspace is moderate and well-balanced. There is a contemplative quality to the thoughts that unfold -- a tendency toward quiet reflection and appreciation rather than the analytical probing of 2C-E or the giddy sociability of 2C-I. Emotions are gently amplified, and there is a sense of warmth and openness that extends to both people and environments. Music is pleasantly enhanced. The body feels comfortable and grounded, with minimal load beyond the initial gastrointestinal adjustment. The overall experience reads as a straightforward, undemanding psychedelic journey of moderate depth.
Effects begin to taper around four to five hours after onset, with a gradual return to baseline over the following hour or two. Total duration spans five to seven hours. The comedown is smooth and uneventful, and the aftermath is clean. There is often a mild afterglow of enhanced appreciation and emotional warmth that persists into the evening. 2C-T occupies a quiet middle ground in the phenethylamine family -- reliable, moderate, and unassuming.
Subjective Effects
The effects listed below are based on the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal reports and personal analyses. They should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism. These effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects.
Physical Effects
Physical(7)
- Bodily control enhancement— Bodily control enhancement is the subjective feeling of improved physical precision, coordination, a...
- Increased heart rate— A noticeable acceleration of heartbeat that can range from a subtle awareness of one's pulse to a fo...
- Nausea— An uncomfortable sensation of queasiness and stomach discomfort that may or may not lead to vomiting...
- Pupil dilation— A visible enlargement of the pupil diameter (mydriasis) that can range from subtle widening to drama...
- Serotonin syndrome— Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal medical emergency caused by excessive serotonergic activit...
- Stimulation— A state of heightened physical and mental energy characterized by increased wakefulness, elevated mo...
- Vasoconstriction— A narrowing of blood vessels throughout the body that produces sensations of cold extremities, tingl...
Tactile(1)
- Tactile enhancement— The sense of touch becomes dramatically heightened, making physical contact feel intensely pleasurab...
Cognitive & Perceptual Effects
Visual(14)
- After images— A visual phenomenon in which a faint, ghostly imprint of a previously viewed image persists in the v...
- Colour enhancement— An intensification of the brightness, vividness, and saturation of colors in the external environmen...
- Colour shifting— The visual experience of colors on objects and surfaces cycling through continuous, fluid transforma...
- Drifting— The visual experience of perceiving stationary objects, textures, and surfaces as appearing to flow,...
- Geometry— The experience of perceiving complex, ever-shifting geometric patterns superimposed over the visual ...
- Internal hallucination— Vivid, detailed visual experiences perceived within an imagined mental landscape that can only be se...
- Pattern recognition enhancement— An increased ability and tendency to perceive meaningful patterns, faces, and images within ambiguou...
- Perspective hallucination— A hallucinatory phenomenon in which the observer's visual perspective shifts from the normal first-p...
- Scenery slicing— The visual field fractures into distinct, cleanly cut sections that slowly drift apart from their or...
- Settings, sceneries, and landscapes— The perceived environment in which hallucinatory experiences take place, ranging from recognizable l...
- Symmetrical texture repetition— Textures appear to mirror and tessellate across surfaces in intricate, self-similar symmetrical patt...
- Tracers— Moving objects leave visible trails of varying length and opacity behind them, similar to long-expos...
- Transformations— Objects and scenery undergo perceived visual metamorphosis, smoothly shapeshifting into other recogn...
- Visual acuity enhancement— Vision becomes sharper and more defined than normal, as though a slightly blurry lens has been broug...
Cognitive(12)
- Analysis enhancement— A perceived improvement in one's ability to logically deconstruct concepts, recognize patterns, and ...
- Conceptual thinking— A shift in the nature of thought from verbal, linear sentence structures to intuitive, non-linguisti...
- Delusion— A delusion is a fixed, false belief that is held with unshakeable certainty and is impervious to con...
- Immersion enhancement— A heightened capacity to become fully absorbed and engrossed in external media such as music, films,...
- Increased sense of humor— A general amplification of one's sensitivity to finding things humorous and amusing, often causing p...
- Memory suppression— A dose-dependent inhibition of one's ability to access and utilize short-term and long-term memory, ...
- Novelty enhancement— A feeling of increased fascination, awe, and childlike wonder attributed to everyday concepts, objec...
- Personal bias suppression— A decrease in the personal, cultural, and cognitive biases through which one normally filters their ...
- Thought acceleration— The experience of thoughts occurring at a dramatically increased rate, as if the mind has been shift...
- Thought loops— Becoming trapped in a repeating cycle of thoughts, actions, and emotions that loops every few second...
- Time distortion— Subjective perception of time becomes dramatically altered — minutes may feel like hours, or hours p...
- Wakefulness— An increased ability to stay awake and alert without the desire to sleep. Distinct from stimulation ...
Multi-sensory(1)
- Scenarios and plots— Scenarios and plots are the narrative structures that emerge within hallucinatory states — coherent ...
Transpersonal(4)
- Ego death— A profound dissolution of the sense of self in which personal identity, memories, and the boundary b...
- Existential self-realization— A sudden, visceral realization of the profound significance and improbability of one's own existence...
- Perception of interdependent opposites— Perception of interdependent opposites is the profound, felt realization that reality is structured ...
- Unity and interconnectedness— A profound sense that identity extends beyond the self to encompass other people, nature, or all of ...
Pharmacology
Serotonin Receptor Activity
2C-T exerts its psychoactive effects through agonism at serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, consistent with its classification as a classical psychedelic phenethylamine . Compared to non-sulfur analogs, the sulfur-containing 2C-T compounds generally demonstrate potent agonist activity at 5-HT2 receptors, with the specific alkyl chain attached to the sulfur atom modulating potency and selectivity across the series .
The thio-substitution at the 4-position introduces a larger, more polarizable atom compared to oxygen or direct carbon linkages, which alters the electronic properties of the aromatic ring and affects binding geometry at the 5-HT2A receptor orthosteric site .
MAO Inhibition Properties
A pharmacologically critical feature distinguishing the 2C-T series from other 2C compounds is their ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase enzymes . Research assessing 17 phenethylamine derivatives including multiple 2C-T compounds found that thio-substituted members demonstrated inhibition of both MAO-A and MAO-B, with IC50 values ranging from 10 to 125 micromolar for MAO-A and 1.7 to 180 micromolar for MAO-B .
More specifically, sulfur-substituted alpha-alkyl phenethylamines have been identified as selective and reversible MAO-A inhibitors, with several compounds in the series showing potent inhibitory activity . This MAO inhibition is clinically relevant because it introduces potentially dangerous drug-drug interactions — particularly with serotonergic substances, stimulants, and foods containing tyramine — that are not a concern with non-sulfur 2C compounds like 2C-B or 2C-I .
References
- Luethi, D. et al. "Monoamine receptor interaction profiles of 4-thio-substituted phenethylamines (2C-T drugs)." Neuropharmacology, 123, 2017.
- Wagmann, L. et al. "Interactions of phenethylamine-derived psychoactive substances of the 2C-series with human monoamine oxidases." Drug Testing and Analysis, 11(2), 2019.
- Fierz, H. et al. "Sulfur-Substituted alpha-Alkyl Phenethylamines as Selective and Reversible MAO-A Inhibitors." J. Med. Chem., 48(4), 2005.
Detection Methods
Urine Detection
2C-T is not specifically targeted by standard immunoassay-based urine drug panels. However, because 2C-x phenethylamines share structural features with amphetamines, they may trigger false positives on amphetamine immunoassays in some cases. The likelihood of cross-reactivity depends on the specific immunoassay manufacturer and the antibody selectivity used. Urine detection windows for 2C-T are estimated at 24 to 72 hours following ingestion when analyzed by LC-MS/MS methods, though limited pharmacokinetic data exists for many 2C-x compounds.
Blood and Serum Detection
Blood detection windows for 2C-T are approximately 6 to 24 hours after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations typically occur 1 to 3 hours post-ingestion. The relatively short half-lives of most 2C-x phenethylamines mean that blood testing must be performed promptly to capture detectable concentrations. LC-MS/MS is the only reliable method for quantitative blood analysis.
Standard Drug Panel Inclusion
2C-T is NOT specifically included on standard 5-panel, 10-panel, or 12-panel drug screens. The primary concern for individuals undergoing routine screening is the potential for amphetamine cross-reactivity on immunoassay-based panels. If a presumptive positive for amphetamines occurs, confirmatory testing by GC-MS or LC-MS/MS would not confirm amphetamine and the result would be reported as negative unless the laboratory specifically tests for 2C-x compounds. Most routine laboratories do not include 2C-x phenethylamines in their confirmatory panels.
Confirmatory Methods
Definitive identification of 2C-T requires LC-MS/MS or GC-MS with appropriate reference standards. Some forensic toxicology laboratories include 2C-x phenethylamines in their extended novel psychoactive substance panels. Immunoassay cross-reactivity alone is insufficient for confirmation and would be resolved by standard confirmatory procedures. Quantitative analysis typically requires specific method development as these compounds are not part of routine clinical chemistry workflows.
Reagent Testing (Harm Reduction)
For harm reduction identification, the Marquis reagent is a primary screening tool for 2C-T. The Marquis reagent produces a variable reaction with 2C-T, typically brown to orange. The thioether group may affect reagent interactions. The Mecke reagent may provide additional color reactions that help differentiate between specific 2C-x variants. The Ehrlich reagent shows no reaction with 2C-x phenethylamines, which can help distinguish them from tryptamines and lysergamides. The Mandelin reagent may produce green to brown reactions depending on the specific compound. Using multiple reagents in combination provides the most reliable field identification, though reagent testing cannot determine purity or dosage.
Interactions
| Substance | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Aminoindane | Caution | Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity |
| 2-FA | Caution | Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity |
| 2-FEA | Caution | Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity |
| 2-FMA | Caution | Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity |
| 2,5-DMA | Caution | Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity |
| 1,3-Butanediol | Low Risk & Synergy | Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound |
| 1B-LSD | Low Risk & Synergy | Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound |
| 1cP-AL-LAD | Low Risk & Synergy | Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound |
| 1cP-LSD | Low Risk & Synergy | Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound |
| 1cP-MiPLA | Low Risk & Synergy | Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound |
History
Synthesis and PiHKAL Documentation
2C-T was synthesized by Alexander Shulgin as part of his systematic investigation of how different substituents at the 4-position of the 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine scaffold affected psychoactive properties . By introducing a methylthio (-SCH3) group at this position, Shulgin created the prototype for an entirely new series of psychedelic compounds — the 2C-T-x family.
Shulgin documented 2C-T in PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story (1991), describing it as relatively mild compared to later members of the series. He noted that extending the alkyl chain on the sulfur atom — from methyl (2C-T) to ethyl (2C-T-2) to propyl (2C-T-7) — dramatically increased potency, dropping effective doses from 60-100 mg down to 10-25 mg .
The 2C-T-x Series Legacy
The structural template established by 2C-T gave rise to some of the most pharmacologically interesting compounds in Shulgin's catalog. 2C-T-2 and 2C-T-7 attracted particular attention for their potency and unique subjective profiles, though 2C-T-7 was also implicated in several fatalities — likely related in part to MAO inhibition and serotonin syndrome . The DEA temporarily placed 2C-T-7 in Schedule I in 2002, and several countries subsequently scheduled multiple members of the 2C-T series .
References
- Shulgin, A.T. & Shulgin, A. PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press, 1991.
- Federal Register. "Temporary Placement of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-(n)-propylthiophenethylamine Into Schedule I." September 20, 2002.
Harm Reduction
2C-not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating.
Tolerance to the effects of 2C-almost immediately after ingestion. After that,37 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). 2C-T presents cross-tolerance with Cross-all psychedelics, meaning that after the consumption of 2C-T all psychedelics will have a reduced effect.
Although only speculative, it is worth noting that if 2C-T does have MAOI effects this could indicate that 2C-T is more likely to induce serotonin syndrome or general neurotransmitter overload (especially at high dosages) than other serotonergic psychedelics. This may make it dangerous to combine it with other MAOIs, stimulants and certain substances which promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine. These substances include but are not limited to:
Canada: 2C-T would be considered Schedule III as it is a derivative of 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine.
Germany: 2C-H is controlled under the NpSG (New Psychoactive Substances Act) as of November 26, 2016. Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person, placing it on the market and trading is punishable. Possession is illegal but not punishable. The legislator considers it possible that orders of 2C-H are punishable as an incitement to place it on the market.
United Kingdom: 2C-T is a Class A drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the phenethylamine catch-all clause.
United States: 2C-T is a Schedule 1 drug in the U.S., making it illegal to possess, manufacture, or import.
Responsible
Toxicity & Safety
The toxicity and long-term health effects of recreational 2C-T use do not seem to have been studied in any scientific context and the exact toxic dosage is unknown.
Anecdotal reports suggest that there are no negative health effects attributed to trying this drug, but nothing can be completely guaranteed.
It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.
Dependence and abuse potential
2C-T is not habit-forming and the desire to use it can actually decrease with use. It is most often self-regulating.
Tolerance to the effects of 2C-T is built almost immediately after ingestion. After that, it takes about 3 days for the tolerance to be reduced to half and 7 days to be back at baseline (in the absence of further consumption). 2C-T presents cross-tolerance with all psychedelics, meaning that after the consumption of 2C-T all psychedelics will have a reduced effect.
Dangerous interactions
Warning: Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
Although only speculative, it is worth noting that if 2C-T does have MAOI effects this could indicate that 2C-T is more likely to induce serotonin syndrome or general neurotransmitter overload (especially at high dosages) than other serotonergic psychedelics. This may make it dangerous to combine it with other MAOIs, stimulants and certain substances which promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine. These substances include but are not limited to:
Addiction Potential
not habit-forming
Overdose Information
Fatal overdose from 2C-T alone, at doses within the typical recreational range, is extremely unlikely based on the available evidence for classical psychedelics. The therapeutic index for most psychedelics is very wide.
However, psychological emergencies can occur and require appropriate response:
- Severe anxiety, panic, or psychotic episodes
- Dangerous behavior due to impaired reality testing
- Self-harm in the context of a distressing experience
Emergency management: If someone is experiencing a severe adverse reaction, move them to a calm, quiet environment. Speak reassuringly. Do not restrain unless there is immediate danger. Benzodiazepines (if available and the person is conscious and able to swallow) can reduce acute anxiety. If psychotic symptoms, self-harm risk, or medical distress is present, seek emergency medical attention.
Medical attention: Seek help immediately for seizures, extremely elevated body temperature, signs of serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremor, diarrhea, rapid heart rate), or if the substance consumed is uncertain.
Tolerance
| Full | almost immediately after ingestion |
| Half | 3 days |
| Zero | 7 days |
Cross-tolerances
Legal Status
Canada: 2C-T would be considered Schedule III as it is a derivative of 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine.
Germany: 2C-H is controlled under the NpSG (New Psychoactive Substances Act) as of November 26, 2016. Production and import with the aim to place it on the market, administration to another person, placing it on the market and trading is punishable. Possession is illegal but not punishable. The legislator considers it possible that orders of 2C-H are punishable as an incitement to place it on the market.
United Kingdom: 2C-T is a Class A drug in the United Kingdom as a result of the phenethylamine catch-all clause.
United States: 2C-T is a Schedule 1 drug in the U.S., making it illegal to possess, manufacture, or import.
Responsible use
Volumetric liquid dosing
Research chemical
2C-T (Wikipedia)
2C-T (PiHKAL / Isomer Design)
Discussion
The Big & Dandy 2C-T Thread (Bluelight)
Experience Reports (1)
Tips (5)
Always test 2C-T with an Ehrlich reagent before use. A positive reaction (purple/pink color change) confirms the presence of an indole/lysergamide compound. No reaction could indicate a dangerous substitute like an NBOMe.
Do not combine 2C-T with lithium (seizure risk), tramadol (seizure/serotonin syndrome risk), or cannabis at higher doses unless very experienced. Cannabis dramatically intensifies and can destabilize a psychedelic experience.
Use a milligram scale to weigh 2C-T if it comes as a powder. Eyeballing doses of potent psychedelics is irresponsible. A quality 0.001g scale costs under $30 and could prevent a seriously overwhelming experience.
Have a trip sitter present, ideally someone with psychedelic experience. They should remain calm and reassuring without being intrusive. A good sitter can make the difference between a challenging experience and a genuine crisis.
Start with a low dose of 2C-T if it is your first time. You can always take more next time but you cannot take less once ingested. The difference between a comfortable and an overwhelming experience can be surprisingly small.
See Also
References (4)
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety — Griffiths et al. Journal of Psychopharmacology (2016)paper
- Neural correlates of the LSD experience revealed by multimodal neuroimaging — Carhart-Harris et al. PNAS (2016)paper
- 2C-T - TripSit Factsheet
TripSit factsheet for 2C-T
tripsit - 2C-T - Wikipedia
Wikipedia article on 2C-T
wikipedia