2,α-Dimethyltryptamine

2,α-Dimethyltryptamine (2,α-DMT) is a psychedelic tryptamine. It is a structural analog of serotonin and melatonin and a functional analog of other psychedelic tryptamines such as 4-AcO-DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, 5-HO-DMT, Psilocybin, and Psilocin.

Chemistry

2,α-DMT, or 2,α-dimethyltryptamine, is a synthetic molecule of the tryptamine class. Tryptamines share a core structure comprised of a bicyclic indole heterocycle attached at R3 to an amino group via an ethyl side chain. 2,α-DMT contains two methyl groups CH3- bound to the terminal amine RN of its tryptamine backbone.

Pharmacology

Like its close relatives DMT and bufotenin (5-HO-DMT), it is speculated to be a psychedelic, but its pharmacology and toxicology are largely unknown, and it may potentially have psychoactive properties. Its molecular structure and pharmacological effects somewhat resemble those of the tryptamine psilocin, which is the primary psychoactive chemical in magic mushrooms.

Effects

The effects of 2,α-DMT are largely unknown, as very little data exists about its pharmacological properties, metabolism, and toxicity. It is assumed that, like other tryptamines, it most likely produces its effects by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain; however, the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

Legal Status

The legal status of 2,α-DMT varies by country. In the United States, it is not controlled at the federal level, but it could possibly be considered an analog of DMT, which is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. In the United Kingdom, it is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

See Also

• Tryptamine
• Psychedelic drug
• Serotonin receptor