2C (psychedelics)

2C is a general name for the family of psychedelic and entheogenic phenethylamines containing methoxy groups on the 2 and 5 positions of the benzene ring. There is also usually a substitute on the 4 position to avoid excessive metabolism and thus be active on the CNS. Most of the currently known 2C's were first synthesized by Alexander Shulgin in the 70's and 80's, and recorded in his book, PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved). Dr. Shulgin also invented the term 2C, being an acronym for the 2 carbon atoms between the benzene ring and the amino group (the amphetamine counterparts are sometimes known as 3C's).