2M2B

2-methyl-2-butanol (also known as tert-amyl alcohol or 2m2b) is a tertiary alcohol substance that produces depressant, hypnotic, and anxiolytic effects. historically, it has been used in anesthesia as a component of avertin fluid mixed with tribromoethanol and water. it has a strong solvent smell reminiscent of gasoline, but with little flavor. 2m2b’s simple structure and intoxicating effects have led to its use as a recreational drug.

fusel alcohols including 2m2b are a grain fermentation by-product and therefore present in many alcoholic beverages. trace levels of 2m2b have also been detected in various food substances, including fried bacon and cassava, rooibos tea, and fruits (such as apple and pineapple).

chemistry

2-methyl-2-butanol is also known as tert-amyl-alcohol, 2m2b, or amylene hydrate. 2-methyl-2-butanol is an alcohol with the formula c₅h₁₁oh. 2-methyl-2-butanol is comprised of butane, an alkyl chain of four carbons. this chain is substituted at r₂ with a methyl group ch₃– and an alcohol group oh-. it is synthesized by the reaction of 2-methyl-2-butene with water in the presence of an acid catalyst.

pharmacology

2-methyl-2-butanol inhibits binding to a proconvulsant site on the gaba receptor which causes negatively charged chloride ions to enter neurons and increase the amount of excitation necessary to cause the neurons to fire. as it is a tertiary alcohol, it cannot be metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase into aldehydes (which cause the hangover associated with consuming large amounts of ethanol). this makes 2m2b significantly safer than primary alcohols. however, a consequence of this is that 2-methyl-2-butanol has an extended duration of action with effects which last up to 12 hours after its consumption.