3C-BZ

Use and effects

In his book PiHKAL (Phenethylamines I Have Known and Loved), Alexander Shulgin lists the dose range is listed as 25 to 200mg and the duration as 18 to 24hours. The effects of 3C-BZ have been reported to vary significantly, ranging from intensified emotions and strange dreams, to effects similar to those of other psychedelics like LSD or TMA.

Interactions

Chemistry

Synthesis

3C-BZ was originally synthesized by Alexander Shulgin starting from 5-methoxyeugenol (4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol) through a reaction with benzyl chloride to form the benzyloxy derivative of 5-methoxyeugenol. The obtained benzyl derivative was reacted with tetranitromethane to form 1-[4-(benzyloxy)-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl]-2-nitro-1-propene, from which 3C-BZ is obtained by reduction of the nitropropene with lithium aluminium hydride.

Another possible synthetic route would be the reaction of benzyl chloride with syringaldehyde to form 3,5-dimethoxy-4-benzyloxybenzaldehyde followed by condensation with nitroethane to form 1-[4-(benzyloxy)-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl]-2-nitro-1-propene. The obtained nitropropene can be reduced using lithium aluminium hydride, Red-Al, or an aluminium-mercury amalgam.

History

3C-BZ was first described in the scientific literature by Alexander Shulgin and colleagues by 1978.

Society and culture

Legal status

Canada

3C-BZ is a controlled substance in Canada under phenethylamine blanket-ban language.

United States

3C-BZ is not an explicitly controlled substance in the United States. However, it could be considered a controlled substance under the Federal Analogue Act if intended for human consumption.

References

References

1. (2013). "Phenethylamine: von der Struktur zur Funktion". Nachtschatten-Verlag.
2. (2021). "Receptor Interaction Profiles of 4-Alkoxy-3,5-Dimethoxy-Phenethylamines (Mescaline Derivatives) and Related Amphetamines". Front Pharmacol.
3. {{CitePiHKAL [http://www.erowid.org/library/books_online/pihkal/pihkal021.shtml 3C-BZ Entry in ''PiHKAL'']
4. Shulgin, Alexander T.. (1978). "Stimulants". Springer US.
5. (1978). "QuaSAR: Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships Of Analgesics, Narcotic Antagonists, And Hallucinogens". National Institute on Drug Abuse.
6. "Controlled Drugs and Substances Act".
7. (January 2026). "Orange Book: List of Controlled Substances and Regulated Chemicals (January 2026)". U.S. [[Department of Justice]]: [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] (DEA): Diversion Control Division.