Research chemicalResearch chemicalPsychedelicTryptamine

4-AcO-MET

Also known as 4-acetoxy-MET · Metacetin · 4-AcO-MET

Written by enwyReviewed 4 Aug 20262 sources0 comments

4-AcO-MET (4-acetoxy-N-methyl-N-ethyltryptamine) is a synthetic tryptamine and presumed prodrug of 4-HO-MET, deacetylated to the active psilocin analogue. It is used non-medically as a psychedelic. Human data are anecdotal; potency, kinetics and safety are uncharacterised and dose responses vary widely.

01 Overview

4-AcO-MET is the acetate ester of 4-HO-MET and is thought to be hydrolysed in the body to the active 4-hydroxy compound, analogous to how psilocybin converts to psilocin. Users report psychedelic effects resembling those of 4-HO-MET, with strong visuals and emotional effects over a moderate duration.

No controlled human research exists; all information is from self-reports and harm-reduction sources. Because it is a research chemical of uncertain purity and potency, dose responses vary considerably between individuals. Difficult psychological reactions are possible, especially at higher doses.

02 Mechanism

Presumed prodrug hydrolysed to 4-HO-MET, a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist; the classical psychedelic mechanism.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Threshold	5–10 mg	Oral	Approximate; assumed similar to 4-HO-MET.
Common	10–25 mg	Oral	Onset ~30-60 min, duration ~4-6 h. Not clinically validated.
Strong	25–35 mg	Oral	Overwhelming effects more likely.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Visual and perceptual effectsVisual patterning and colour enhancement reported, resembling 4-HO-MET.		Anecdotal
Mood elevationEuphoria and emotional openness reported at moderate doses.		Anecdotal
Altered cognitionShifts in thought and time perception typical of serotonergic psychedelics.		Anecdotal

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
NauseaGastrointestinal discomfort during onset.	Mild	Common	Anecdotal
Cardiovascular stimulationElevated heart rate and blood pressure.	Mild	Common	Anecdotal
Anxiety / challenging experienceAnxiety, confusion or panic, more likely at high doses.	Moderate	Common at higher doses	Anecdotal

06 Legal status

United Kingdom

Class A / tryptamine controls

Covered by UK tryptamine provisions. · as of Jan 2026

United States

Not scheduled by name federally; potential Federal Analogue Act exposure. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

TiHKAL: The Continuation (4-HO-MET entry)Shulgin & Shulgin, 1997

New psychoactive substances monitoringEUDA (formerly EMCDDA)

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.