5-Br-DMT: Chemistry, Research, Effects and Scientific Overview

What Is 5-Br-DMT?

5-Br-DMT, also known as 5-Bromo-DMT or 5-bromo-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, is a brominated derivative of dimethyltryptamine (DMT). They are calling it a tryptamine compound and say it works on serotonin receptors. 5-Br-DMT is mostly talked about in scientific and pharmacological research, not as an approved therapeutic treatment, unlike conventional medicines.

The compound has a molecular weight of approximately 267.16 g/mol and the chemical formula C12H15BrN2. Its CAS number is 17274-65-6 and its PubChem ID is CID 360252.

Chemical Profile of 5-Br-DMT

Important Chemical Information

5-Br-DMT has an indole structure, like other members of the tryptamine family. The molecule is named as it is because the indole ring has a bromine atom in the 5-position, and is different from DMT.

Key identifiers include:

• Common name: 5-Bromo-DMT
• Chemical name: 5-Bromo-N,N-dimethyltryptamin
• 2-(5-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)-N,N-dimethylethanamine IUPAC name
• Molecular formula C12H15BrN2
• Molecular weight: 267.16 g/mol
• CAS No.: 17274-65-6
• PubChem CID:360252

Researchers can use these identifiers to tell 5-Br-DMT apart from similar tryptamines and other brominated compounds.

What is 5-BrDMT?

Interestingly, scientists have reported 5-Br-DMT in some marine organisms. The compound is associated in research records with marine sponges including members of the genera Smenospongia and Verongula. So its scientific history is not limited to laboratory chemistry.

Researchers have also looked at synthetic methods to study the compound. However synthesis in the laboratory should be a controlled scientific activity in the hands of suitably qualified professionals.

How Does 5BrDMT Function?

Serotonin Receptors Studies

Scientists have studied 5-Br-DMT because it affects serotonin signalling. Recent studies have explored its action on a number of serotonin receptors including 5-HT2A, which is relevant in psychedelic pharmacology.

Significantly, laboratory results do not necessarily mean that the compound is a proven medicine. Researchers still need a lot of evidence about safety, pharmacology, long-term effects and therapeutic effectiveness.”

5Br-DMT and the Present Study

Some recent scientific work has been attracting some attention, with researchers investigating the possibility that some halogenated DMT analogues might impact neuroplasticity without the same behavioural effects as classic psychedelics.

A 2025 study explored 5Br-DMT in laboratory models and reported activity tied to neuroplasticity. Researchers also saw antidepressant-like effects in a mouse model. But those findings were based on preclinical experiments and don’t prove that 5-Br-DMT is an antidepressant treatment in humans.

More study is needed before scientists can say whether these findings have any meaningful clinical applications.

Limitations of Research and Safety

Since 5-Br-DMT is a research chemical with psychoactive properties, far less safety information is available than there is for approved medications. Human data are particularly limited and published reports should not be relied upon as definitive medical advice.

Research chemicals can also vary in purity, identity and formulation. So the use of an unproven compound can have added risks.

Important Research Note

5-Br-DMT should not be marketed as an approved treatment for depression, anxiety or any other medical condition. Preclinical findings are promising areas for research but need controlled clinical research before researchers can identify therapeutic value.

DMT vs. 5-BrDMT

5Br-DMT is a tryptamine closely related to DMT. However, the replacement of a hydrogen at the 5-position by bromine alters the chemical and pharmacological properties of the molecule.

Therefore, 5-BrDMT should not be considered as a simple substitute for DMT. Researchers are examining these structural differences to learn more about how changing the molecules could affect receptor activity and biology.

Summary

5Br-DMT is a brominated analogue of DMT that has attracted scientific attention because of its unusual chemistry, activity at serotonin receptors, history as a marine natural product, and recent pre-clinical studies. Recent laboratory studies have investigated its potential association with neuroplasticity and antidepressant-like effects. However, researchers need much more evidence before they can say it is safe or helpful for treating people.