Research chemicalResearch chemicalEntactogenAminoindane

MDAI

Also known as 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane · Sparkle

Written by enwyReviewed 4 Aug 20262 sources0 comments

MDAI (5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane) is an aminoindane entactogen developed as a serotonin-selective releaser with reduced neurotoxic potential relative to MDMA in early animal work. It produces mild MDMA-like effects with limited stimulation. Human data remains sparse, largely user reports and case reports.

01 Overview

MDAI was synthesised in the 1990s by David Nichols' group as a non-neurotoxic serotonin-releasing entactogen for research use. It is a serotonin-selective releasing agent with comparatively little dopamine release, giving a gentle, empathic profile with modest stimulation.

Though studied preclinically more than most RCs, controlled human pharmacology is still lacking. It later appeared on the grey market as a legal-high and features in poisons-centre and forensic case reports, including intoxications and deaths where it was combined with other drugs.

02 Mechanism

Serotonin-selective releasing agent (releases serotonin with weaker norepinephrine/dopamine effect), producing entactogenic effects with limited stimulant drive.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Light	60–120 mg	Oral	User-reported only.
Common	120–180 mg	Oral	Mild, MDMA-like with less stimulation.
Strong	180–250 mg	Oral	Serotonergic risk rises; poorly characterised.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Gentle empathySoft entactogenic warmth with less intensity than MDMA.		Anecdotal
Mood elevationContentment and sociability.		Anecdotal
Low stimulationSerotonin selectivity gives little of the amphetamine-type push.		Preclinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
NeurotoxicityDesigned to be non-neurotoxic in animals, but human neurotoxicity remains UNCONFIRMED either way.	Moderate	Unknown in humans	Unconfirmed
HyperthermiaOverheating possible despite the milder profile.	Severe	Uncommon; dose- and setting-dependent	Observational
Serotonin syndromeReported in intoxications, particularly in combination with other serotonergic agents.	Life-threatening	Uncommon; notable with serotonergic co-use	Observational

06 Legal status

United Kingdom

Psychoactive Substances Act 2016

Production/supply prohibited. · as of Jan 2026

United States

Not federally scheduled

Possible Federal Analogue Act coverage. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

MDAI: a non-neurotoxic serotonin releaser (Nichols et al.)PubMed search

New psychoactive substances - aminoindanesEUDA (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.