Phenethylamines

The phenethylamines class is a large group of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a phenyl chain connected to an amino group via a two-carbon (ethyl) chain. Phenethylamine is the basis of a variety of psychoactive substances, including stimulants and empathogens. The phenethylamines found in nature include dopamine (adrenaline), epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These are all neurotransmitters that affect the central nervous system.

The presence of functional groups and their chemical structure can have a variety of pharmacological effects. Designer drugs are often synthetic phenethylamines that mimic well-known substances such as amphetamines or psychedelics.