4C-D (Ariadne) Research Chemical Profile, Effects, Uses & Safety

4C-D (also known as Ariadne, 4C-DOM, α-Et-2C-D and BL-3912) is a relatively rare psychoactive compound of the phenethylamine and 4C family. Researchers have looked at it because of its structural relationship to compounds such as 2C-D and DOM. However, human research is limited. Its pharmacological effects, long-term safety, metabolism and toxicity are not well established.

What Is 4C-D?

4C-D is a substituted phenethylamine, which is also known as a phenylisobutylamine. Its chemical name is 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)butan-2-amine. It is a compound with a molecular formula of C13H21NO2 and a reported molar mass of ~223.32 g/mol.

The name 4C-D refers to its relation to the larger 4C family of chemicals. In particular, these compounds are extended by two carbons at the alpha position, relative to the corresponding 2C compounds. Thus, 4C-D is closely related to the structures of 2C-D and DOM.

Chemical Properties of 4C-D

Chemical Name

The reported preferred IUPAC name for 4C-D is 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)butan-2-amine. It is also known by a number of other names including Ariadne, 4C-DOM, α-Et-2C-D and BL-3912.

Chemical formulae

The molecular formula was C13H21NO2. The R-isomer is reported to have a CAS number of 52842-59-8 . Related identifiers of the compound are also reported in sources.

Chemical Group

4C-D is a member of the larger 4C family of 2,5-dimethoxy-alpha-ethylphenethylamines. Thus, it has structural similarities to a number of other research chemicals in this group.

4C-D History

4C-D was synthesised by Alexander Shulgin and its properties investigated. Later, the compound aroused the interest of researchers, who asked whether the pharmacological profile of the compound might have applications beyond recreational psychoactive use. Historical reports include investigations of alertness, psychiatric conditions, and neurological disorders. However, these historical studies should not be taken as evidence that 4C-D is an approved treatment for any medical condition.

Furthermore, data on clinical development are not publicly available. So readers need to differentiate between historical research and modern well-controlled clinical evidence.

How Does 4C-D Function?

Sources available describe 4C-D as an agent that interacts with serotonin 5-HT2 receptors including the 5-HT2A receptor. It is this serotonergic activity that has led researchers to compare the compound to other psychedelic and psychoactive phenethylamines.

However, the pharmacology of 4C-D in humans is poorly characterised. Researchers say more controlled studies are still needed to understand its receptor activity, metabolism, therapeutic potential and possible adverse effects.

Research Interest (Potential)

Researchers have studied 4C-D historically due to its unusual relationship with psychedelic phenethylamines. Some reports have described relatively limited perceptual effects relative to other compounds in the same broad family. But individual responses may differ greatly, and anecdotal reports are not sufficient to establish safety or therapeutic benefit.

Medical research –

The historical development examined 4C-D for a variety of possible medical applications. But there isn’t enough high quality, publicly available evidence to call it an established medicine or approved treatment. For this reason, 4C-D should not replace prescribed medication or professional medical care.

4C-D Safety Information

Safety is a major consideration, as there is still relatively little reliable human data. Sources specifically cite limited information relating to the pharmacology, metabolism and toxicity of the compound in humans.

That’s why people shouldn’t assume that a compound is safe just because it has been studied scientifically. Research-chemical products may also differ in purity, identity, concentration and contamination.

Potential risks can be especially hard to predict when there is little clinical research on a substance. Furthermore, the combination of psychoactive substances may pose additional, poorly understood risks.

Is 4C-D an Approved Drug?

No. 4C-D is not to be put forward as an approved pharmaceutical treatment. Historical research into possible medical applications does not justify current medical approval or clinical effectiveness.

Furthermore, legal status may vary from country to country, and may change over time. Some sources say that Ariadne and similar compounds are subject to considerable legal restrictions. Therefore it is important for anyone researching 4C-D to consult the current laws and regulations of their own jurisdiction.

4C-D vs 2C-D and DOM

Structural similarity is high between 4C-D and 2C-D and DOM. Main structural difference is the carbon chain attached to the alpha position. 2C-D has no alpha carbon extension, DOM has an alpha-methyl group and 4C-D has an alpha-ethyl group.

Because of these structural similarities, researchers have used related compounds to study how small chemical changes can affect pharmacological activity. But structural similarity does not mean that two compounds will have similar effects or safety profiles.

FAQs

What is 4C-D?

4C-D, also called Ariadne, is a research chemical that belongs to the phenethylamine class of psychoactive substances. Structurally, it is related to 2C-D and DOM.

### Is 4C-D a pharmaceutical medicine?

None. It is not a pharmaceutical medicine or an established treatment and it should not be described as such.

What is 4C-D chemical formula?

Reported molecular formula is C13H21NO2 with a molar mass of ~223.32 g/mol.

Is 4C-D well researched?

None. Pharmacological and toxicological data in humans are still limited. A more controlled research would be needed to determine its safety and possible medical uses.

Is 4C-D illegal?

It is subject to the laws of the country and these may change. Therefore, users should always check the latest local rules and not rely on old information.

Conclusion:

4C-D or Ariadne 4C-D is an unusual member of the 4C family, which has attracted the interest of scientists due to its structure and serotonergic activity. But there is limited evidence in humans and its safety, toxicity, long-term effects and medical value are still not clear. Therefore, 4C-D is better described as a research chemical and not an established medicine or cure.