2C-B, chemically known as 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, is a synthetic psychedelic drug from the 2C family first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in the 1970s. It acts primarily as a serotonin receptor agonist, especially at 5-HT2A sites, producing hallucinogenic, stimulant, and mild empathogenic effects similar to mescaline or MDMA at typical oral doses of 4-30 mg.

Chemical Properties

2C-B has the molecular formula C10H14BrNO2, featuring a phenethylamine backbone with methoxy groups at positions 2 and 5, and a bromine at position 4. It appears as a white to off-white powder or hydrochloride salt, with identification via color tests like Marquis (yellow to green) or crystal precipitation in reagents. The compound is moderately soluble in water when acidified.

Effects and Usage

Users report visual distortions, enhanced colors, euphoria, and tactile sensitivity lasting 4-8 hours, though higher doses can cause nausea or anxiety. It gained popularity as a club drug (“nexus”) in the 1990s but is now a Schedule I substance under the UN Psychotropic Convention and illegal in the US, EU, Nigeria, Cameroon, and most nations.

Risks and Legality

Overdose risks include agitation, hypertension, seizures, and potential serotonin syndrome; long-term use data is limited. Possession or sale carries severe penalties, with no approved medical use. For safer alternatives, consult harm reduction sites like Erowid or DanceSafe.