2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylthio-N-hydroxyphenethylamine
#87 HOT-2 SYNTHESIS: A solution of 5.50 g (see under for its preparation) was made in 80 mL boiling anhydrous THF. On cooling, there was some separation of a fine crystalline phase, which was kept dispersed by continuous stirring. Under an inert atmosphere there was added 3.5 mL of a 10 M borane dimethylsulfide complex, followed by 0.5 g sodium borohydride as a solid. There was a slight exothermic response, and the color slowly faded. Stirring was continued for a week. There was then added 40 mL H2O and 20 mL concentrated HCl, and the reaction mixture heated on the steam bath for 15 minutes, with the THF at reflux. After cooling again to room temperature, all was poured into 1 L H2O and washed with 3×75 mL CH2Cl2, which removed all of the color but little of the product. The aqueous phase was made basic with 25% NaOH, and extracted with 3×75 mL CH2Cl2. The extracts were pooled and the solvent removed under vacuum to give a residue of 3.88 g of an amber oil. This was dissolved in 30 mL IPA, acidified with concentrated HCl to a bright red on universal pH paper, and then diluted with 200 mL anhydrous Et2O. After a short period of time, crystals started to form. These were removed by filtration, washed with Et2O, and air dried to constant weight. Thus was obtained 2.86 g 2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylthio-N-hydroxyphenethylamine hydrochloride (HOT-2) as off-white crystals, with a melting point of 122 °C with decomposition. Anal. (C12H20ClNO3S) H,C: calcd, 49.05; found, 50.15, 49.90.
DOSAGE: 10–18 mg.
DURATION: 6–10 h.
QUALITATIVE COMMENTS: (with 12 mg) “Tastes OK. Some activity noticed in 30 minutes. Very smooth rise with no body load for next two hours. At that time I noted some visuals. Very pleasant. The bright spots in the painting over the fireplace seemed to be moving backwards (as if the clouds were moving in the painting). Upon concentrating on any item, there was perceptual movement with a little flowing aspect. The visuals were never all that strong, but could not be turned off during the peak. At hour three there was still some shimmering, and it was hard to focus when reading. Additionally, there was difficulty concentrating (some mental confusion). The material seemed to allow erotic actions; there was no problem about obtaining an erection. I ate very well, some crazy dips, as well as a fabulous cake. A very gentle down trend and I became close to baseline by 6 or 7 p.m. I had no trouble driving. The dosage was good for me. I did not want more or less.”
(with 12 mg) “Comes on smoothly, nicely. In 40 minutes I feel nice euphoria, feel home again. Then I begin to get uncomfortable feelings. Gets more and more uncomfortable, feel I am sitting on a big problem. Blood pressure, pulse, go up considerably. Have hard time communicating, lie down for a while, get insight that most important thing for me to do is learn to listen, pay attention to what is going on. I do this the rest of the day, at first with considerable difficulty, then easier and easier. Discomfort stays with me for several hours, and although I get more comfortable towards the end of the day, I am never animated or euphoric. I feel very humbled, that I have a great deal to work out in my life. The next day I find myself very strong and empowered. I see that all I have to do is let things be as they are! This feels marvelous, and a whole new way to be—much more relaxed, accepting, being in the moment. No more axes to grind. I can be free.”
(with 18 mg) “I found myself with complete energy. I was completely centered with an absolute minimum of the dark edges that so often appear as components of these experiences. The ease of talking was remarkable. There was some blood-pressure run-up in the early part of the day, but that quickly returned to normal. I would repeat without hesitation.”
EXTENSIONS AND COMMENTARY: Again, a case of where the potency range of the “hot,” or hydroxylated compound (HOT-2, 10 to 18 milligrams) is very similar to that of the non-hydroxylated prototype (, 12–25 milligrams). It seems to be a well tolerated, and generally pleasant material, with a mixture of sensory as well as insightful aspects. Something for everyone.
11 Aug 2018 · ·

About PiHKAL · info

This version of Book II of PiHKAL is based on the Erowid online version, originally transcribed by Simson Garfinkle and converted into HTML by Lamont Granquist. I drew also on “Tyrone Slothrop’s” (Unfinished) Review of PIHKAL to enumerate the many analogues mentioned in PiHKAL but not described at length. Many, many others have since been added.
I have tried here to expunge any artifacts introduced by the earlier transcriptions and restore the typographic niceties found in the printed edition. I’ve also made minor changes to some chemical names in line with current nomenclature practice. Typically the change is little more than expanding a prefix or setting it in italics. The history page has further details.

Cautionary note

“At the present time, restrictive laws are in force in the United States and it is very difficult for researchers to abide by the regulations which govern efforts to obtain legal approval to do work with these compounds in human beings.
“No one who is lacking legal authorization should attempt the synthesis of any of the compounds described in these files, with the intent to give them to man. To do so is to risk legal action which might lead to the tragic ruination of a life. It should also be noted that any person anywhere who experiments on himself, or on another human being, with any of the drugs described herein, without being familiar with that drug’s action and aware of the physical and/or mental disturbance or harm it might cause, is acting irresponsibly and immorally, whether or not he is doing so within the bounds of the law.”
Alexander T. Shulgin

Copyright notice

The copyright for Book I of PiHKAL has been reserved in all forms and it may not be distributed. Book II of PiHKAL may be distributed for non-commercial reproduction provided that the introductory information, copyright notice, cautionary notice and ordering information remain attached.

Ordering information

PiHKAL is the extraordinary record of the authors’ years exploring the chemistry and transformational power of phenethylamines. This book belongs in the library of anyone seeking a rational, enlightened and candid perspective on psychedelic drugs.
Though Sasha and Ann have put Book II of PiHKAL in the public domain, available to anyone, I strongly encourage you to buy a copy. We owe them — and there’s still nothing quite like holding a real book in your hands.
PiHKAL (ISBN 0-9630096-0-5) is available for US$24.50 (plus $10 domestic first-class shipping) from Transform Press.
Transform Press,
Box 13675
Berkeley, CA 94701

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