2C-P

2C-P, or 4-propyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, is a synthetic psychedelic in the 2C family. It has a propyl group at the 4-position of the phenyl ring and is often described as a long-lasting member of the series. Laboratory studies show activity at serotonin receptors, while a clinical case series has documented acute intoxications involving agitation, confusion, hallucinations, tachycardia and hypertension.

Chemistry and history

2C-P contains methoxy groups at the 2- and 5-positions of the aromatic ring and a propyl substituent at the 4-position. It is structurally related to 2C-E, which has an ethyl group at the same position, and to 2C-D, which has a methyl group. Its N-benzyl derivative is 25P-NBOMe.

Pharmacology

2C-P acts primarily through serotonin receptors, including 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_2C. Comparative receptor studies of the 2C series have found agonist activity at these targets, although potency and efficacy vary with the substituent at the 4-position. Its pharmacology in humans remains incompletely understood (Rickli and colleagues, 2015).

Subjective effects

The PsychonautWiki profile of 2C-P describes visual changes and altered thought, often lasting a long time according to user accounts, but there are no controlled human studies that define its duration or provide a reliable comparison with other 2C compounds.

Visual and cognitive effects

Reported effects include geometric patterns, colour enhancement, altered depth perception and changes in the apparent movement of objects. Cognitive descriptions include introspection, unusual associations and altered time perception. Anxiety, confusion and sensory overload may also occur.

Physical effects

Reports include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, sweating, nausea and physical restlessness. The clinical literature confirms that autonomic stimulation can be prominent during acute intoxication.

Clinical toxicity

A 2015 report described five men aged 17 to 21 who presented after recreational exposure to 2C-P. The main symptoms were dilated pupils, severe agitation, confusion, visual hallucinations, sinus tachycardia and high blood pressure. All five patients recovered. Toxicological analysis identified 2C-P as the principal active substance in urine samples and in one plasma sample (Deguigne and colleagues, 2015).

The series provides direct evidence of acute human toxicity, but it is small and does not establish a concentration threshold or predict the outcome of every exposure.

Toxicity and research limitations

There are few controlled studies of 2C-P in humans. The case series documents significant agitation and cardiovascular stimulation, while user reports suggest a prolonged psychedelic experience. The relationship between these effects, metabolism and long-term outcomes remains poorly understood.

Clinical reports involving 25P-NBOMe should not be attributed to 2C-P. The NBOMe derivative has an additional N-benzyl group and a different receptor-affinity profile.

Related compounds

2C-P is related to 2C-D, 2C-E, 2C-B and other 2C-series phenethylamines. Its N-benzyl derivative is 25P-NBOMe.