white → orange2 → orange3 → brown2
Not yet reviewed — this article is pending editorial review by Lyrea.
Citation noticeOur citation system is being overhauled
References and citation markers may currently be incomplete, mismatched, or incorrect. This system is being rebuilt and reviewed before the full site launch.
MDAI
5,6-Methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane
Sparkle, Mindy
MDAI is a synthetic aminoindane entactogen with MDMA-like subjective effects that are generally described as less stimulating. It was first reported by David E. Nichols and colleagues at Purdue University in 1989 and developed there during the 1990s. Its indane ring distinguishes it structurally from related amphetamines and substantially alters its properties. Animal findings indicate greatly reduced serotonergic neurotoxicity relative to MDMA, although weak neurotoxicity may occur with chronic use or combination with amphetamine.
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Threshold20-40 mg
Light40-100 mg
Moderate100-150 mg
Strong175-300 mg
Heavy150-300 mg
Duration
Onset20-40 minutes
Come Up30-60 minutes
Peak2-2.5 hours
Offset1-2 hours
Total4-6 hours
Subjective Effects
Legacy content. A statistically backed ontology from Mindstate Design Labs is coming soon.
Effects vary widely by individual, dose, and context.
Physical
Cognitive
The general head space of MDAI is described by many as one of euphoria and feelings of love or empathy. It contains a number of typical entactogenic cognitive effects.
Visual
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
MDAI acts primarily as a well-balanced serotonin and norepinephrine releasing agent, while its effect on dopamine release is approximately 10-fold lower. It also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, further increasing extracellular monoamine concentrations. MDAI has no appreciable affinity for serotonin receptors at tested concentrations, including 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B, but shows significant affinity for α2-adrenergic receptors.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption & half-lifenot documented yetMetabolitesnone documented yet
Dangerous
Highest riskThese combinations are considered extremely harmful and should always be avoided. Reactions to these drugs taken in combination are highly unpredictable and have a potential to cause death.
Tolerance
Tolerance timelines are rules of thumb, not exact schedules, and vary widely between individuals and use patterns.
Full Tolerance
Tolerance to many effects may develop with prolonged, repeated use, reportedly in a manner similar to MDMA, and may require increasingly large doses to produce the same effects.
Baseline Reset
In the absence of further consumption, tolerance is reported to return to baseline after approximately 1–2 weeks.
Half Tolerance
In the absence of further consumption, tolerance is reported to decrease by half after approximately 3–7 days.
Cross Tolerance
Entactogens, Serotonergic stimulants
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
LowMDAI is considered somewhat habit-forming, with low abuse potential and psychological dependence unlikely among most users.
Physical
If addiction develops, abrupt discontinuation may cause cravings and withdrawal effects.
Toxicity
Lethal Dosage
The lethal dose and exact toxic dosage in humans are unknown. One reported UK death appeared attributable to MDAI alone and involved symptoms consistent with serotonin syndrome; overdose is expected to risk serotonin syndrome.
LD50 Data
| Species | Route | Value |
|---|---|---|
| rat | subcutaneous | 28 mg/kg |
Nervous system
In animals, MDAI has substantially lower serotonergic neurotoxicity than MDMA but retains a weak capacity for serotonergic neurotoxicity during chronic use.
Cardiovascular and endocrine systems
MDAI increased blood pressure, cortisol, and prolactin, while no increase in heart rate or body temperature was observed.
Thermoregulatory system
Very high subcutaneous doses were fatal in rats, with 50% mortality at 28 mg/kg.
History & Culture
Scientific origins
David E. Nichols and colleagues at Purdue University first described MDAI in the scientific literature in 1989. A team led by Nichols continued its development during the 1990s.
Legality
International
MDAI is not listed in the official current schedules under the 1961 or 1971 drug conventions or in the precursor tables to the 1988 Convention.
By Country
Illegal17
BrazilIllegalPortaria SVS/MS nº 344/1998, Anexo I (as updated by ANVISA)4
CanadaIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Controlled Drugs and Substances Act5
The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act places amphetamines, including 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and their analogues in Schedule I. MDAI is an amphetamine analogue for this purpose; unless authorized under the regulations, possession is prohibited, and trafficking and production are offences.
ChileIllegalDecreto Supremo N.º 405 de 1983 del Ministerio de Salud, Reglamento de Productos Psicotrópicos, modificado por Decreto N.º 43 de 2022678
MDAI (5,6-metilendioxi-2-aminoindano) is a Lista I drug under Chile’s Reglamento de Productos Psicotrópicos. Decreto N.º 43 added it to that list on 6 January 2022; importation, exportation, production, manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, and holding of Lista I drugs are prohibited nationally, except where the Instituto de Salud Pública authorizes a qualified scientific-research use.
ChinaIllegalCatalogue of Non-medical Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances9
Czech RepublicIllegalGovernment Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll., on lists of addictive substances, read with Act No. 167/1998 Coll., on addictive substances101112
MDAI is listed by name, with the chemical name 5,6-(methylendioxy)indan-2-amin, in Seznam I of the Czech Government Regulation on lists of addictive substances. Under the Act on Addictive Substances, substances in Annex 4 and preparations containing them may be used only for limited research, scientific, and very limited therapeutic purposes specified in a handling permit; handling otherwise requires a Ministry of Health permit, and transfer or sale is limited to persons authorised to handle them.
DenmarkIllegalBekendtgørelse om euforiserende stoffer13
GermanyIllegalMDAI (5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane) is prohibited as a new psychoactive substance under the NpSG's structural group for compounds derived from 2-phenethylamine. The Act prohibits trading, placing on the market, manufacturing, importing, exporting, acquiring, possessing, and administering substances in that group, subject to the statutory exceptions for recognised commercial, industrial, scientific, and official uses. Specified commercial supply and import/manufacture-for-supply contraventions are punishable by imprisonment or a fine.
IrelandIllegalMDAI (5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane) is a Schedule 1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 because it is a 2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-amine derivative bearing an alkylenedioxy substitution in the phenyl ring. Since 4 May 2017, its production, supply, importation and exportation are prohibited except as authorised, and possession is unlawful unless an exemption or authority under the Misuse of Drugs legislation applies.
IsraelIllegal (analog/blanket ban)MDAI (5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane) is a structural derivative of 2-aminoindane and is controlled as a dangerous drug under the First Schedule to Israel's Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Israel added the 2-aminoindane family in 2011; unauthorised possession, use, manufacture and trafficking of a listed dangerous drug are subject to the Ordinance's criminal controls.
ItalyIllegalMinistero della salute, Decreto 24 ottobre 2012, Aggiornamento delle tabelle contenenti l'indicazione delle sostanze stupefacenti e psicotrope. Inserimento nella Tabella I delle sostanze: Metossietamina, 4-Metilamfetamina, CP 47,497, CP 47.497-omologo C8, 4-Fluoroamfetamina e 5,6-Metilendiossi-2-aminoindano.262728
MDAI (5,6-metilendiossi-2-aminoindano) is prohibited in Italy as a Tabella I substance under the DPR 309/1990 controlled-substances framework. The Ministerial Decree of 24 October 2012 inserted it in Tabella I and took effect on 27 November 2012; unauthorised production, manufacture, sale, distribution, transport, sending, or delivery of a Tabella I substance is criminal under Article 73(1) of DPR 309/1990.
NetherlandsIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Opiumwet33
MDAI (5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane) is a substance derived from 2-phenethylamine within Lijst IA of the Opiumwet: the list includes indanyl ring systems and permits substitution that produces a ring closure with structural element A. Since 1 July 2025, Article 2a prohibits importing or exporting, preparing, processing, selling, supplying, transporting, possessing, and manufacturing a substance in a Lijst IA substance group or a preparation containing it, subject to the statutory exemptions.
PolandIllegal (analog/blanket ban)Rozporządzenie Ministra Zdrowia z dnia 17 sierpnia 2018 r. w sprawie wykazu substancji psychotropowych, środków odurzających oraz nowych substancji psychoaktywnych (tekst jednolity: Dz.U. 2022 poz. 1665)363738
MDAI (5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane) is covered in Poland as a Group I-NPS derivative of 2-phenylethylamine: the statutory generic structure includes methylenedioxyphenyl and indanyl ring systems and permits formation of the relevant cyclic structure. Unauthorised possession of a new psychoactive substance is punishable by a fine, while manufacture, import, export, intra-EU supply or acquisition, and placing it on the market require the statutory authorisation framework.
RussiaIllegalGovernment Decree of the Russian Federation No. 681 of 30 June 1998, On Approval of the List of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Their Precursors Subject to Control in the Russian Federation4546
MDAI (5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane) is prohibited in Russia as a derivative of 2-aminoindane under List I of Government Decree No. 681. List I substances are prohibited from circulation; the control therefore covers their unauthorized possession, manufacture, distribution, import, and export.
SingaporeIllegalMDAI is a Class A controlled drug under the First Schedule to Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act 1973. Except as authorised by the Act, its possession and consumption are offences, and trafficking or conduct preparatory to trafficking is an offence. The Schedule identifies the substance as 6,7-dihydro-5H-indeno[5,6-d][1,3]dioxol-6-amine, also known as 5,6-(methylenedioxy)-2-aminoindane or MDAI.
SwedenIllegalMDAI is classified as a narcotic in Sweden in Bilaga 1 to Förordning (1992:1554) om kontroll av narkotika, where it is listed among central stimulants as 6,7-dihydro-5H-cyklopenta[f][1,3]bensodioxol-6-amin. Unauthorised transfer, manufacture for misuse, acquisition, possession and use of narcotics are criminal offences under Narkotikastrafflag (1968:64); the ordinary maximum penalty is three years' imprisonment, with separate rules for minor and aggravated offences.
SwitzerlandIllegalVerordnung des EDI über die Verzeichnisse der Betäubungsmittel, psychotropen Stoffe, Vorläuferstoffe und Hilfschemikalien (BetmVV-EDI)51
UkraineIllegalCabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 770 of 6 May 2000, as amended by Resolution No. 600 of 10 July 2019525354
MDAI (6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[f][1,3]benzodioxol-6-amine) is listed in Table I, List No. 2 of Ukraine's List of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors, the list of especially dangerous psychotropic substances whose circulation is prohibited. Resolution No. 600 of 10 July 2019 inserted MDAI into that list, so its unauthorised possession, production, and supply are prohibited.
Controlled / restricted5
AustriaRestrictedMDAI (5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane) is covered by the NPSV's Anlage II chemical class for 2-aminoindan and 2-aminotetralin compounds. The NPSG makes it an offence, punishable by up to two years' imprisonment, to manufacture, import, export, supply, or procure a covered new psychoactive substance for gain with intent that it be used to produce a psychoactive effect. The NPSV has applied since 1 January 2012; its current consolidated Anlage II has been in force since 19 April 2024.
FinlandRestrictedValtioneuvoston asetus kuluttajamarkkinoilta kielletyistä psykoaktiivisista aineista 1130/201414
JapanRestricted医薬品、医療機器等の品質、有効性及び安全性の確保等に関する法律第二条第十五項に規定する指定薬物及び同法第七十六条の四に規定する医療等の用途を定める省令 (Ordinance Specifying Designated Substances and Medical Uses)29303132
MDAI (5,6-methylenedioxyindan-2-amine) and its salts are designated substances under the Ordinance Specifying Designated Substances and Medical Uses, as amended. Under the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, manufacture, import, sale, provision, possession, purchase, receipt, and use are prohibited except for medical or other authorized uses. The designation took effect on 30 May 2013.
PortugalRestrictedDecreto-Lei n.º 54/2013, de 17 de abril, and Portaria n.º 154/2013, de 17 de abril (as amended by Portaria n.º 232/2022)394041424344
MDAI is listed as a new psychoactive substance in Portugal's Lista de novas substâncias psicoativas. Under Decreto-Lei n.º 54/2013, its production, manufacture, import, export, advertising, distribution, sale, possession, and making available are prohibited, subject to the instrument's exceptions. The listing took effect on 18 April 2013; violations of the prohibition are administrative offences under the decree-law rather than this listing being a schedule under the narcotics decree-law.
United KingdomRestrictedPsychoactive Substances Act 201655
Not scheduled2
United StatesNot scheduledMDAI is not named in the current federal schedules of controlled substances. Under the Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act, a substance meeting the statutory definition of a controlled substance analogue is treated as a Schedule I controlled substance when intended for human consumption.
By state
Across the 50 states, D.C., and the permanent territories, most jurisdictions treat MDAI consistently with federal control; listed entries record independently verified differences in state classification or coverage.
AlabamaIllegalAla. Admin. Code r. 420-7-2, Appendix (Controlled Substances List), Schedule I59
Alabama lists 5,6-(methylenedioxy)-2-aminoindane, also called 5,6-MDAI, in its Schedule I controlled-substances list. This is an express state scheduling outcome rather than federal analogue-only coverage.
District of ColumbiaNot scheduledThe District defines a controlled substance as a drug, substance, or immediate precursor set out in Schedules I through V. Its current Schedule I enumeration does not name MDAI or its chemical designation. MDAI is therefore not scheduled by the District's enumerated controlled-substance schedules.
IowaIllegalIowa Code § 124.20462
Iowa lists MDAI by its chemical name in Schedule I. The substance is therefore a state-controlled Schedule I substance rather than an unscheduled substance subject only to a possible analogue determination.
LouisianaIllegalLa. R.S. 40:964, Schedule I(C)(52)63
Louisiana expressly places MDAI in Schedule I as a hallucinogenic substance. This is a direct state scheduling decision, not merely conditional analogue coverage.
MinnesotaIllegalMinn. Stat. § 152.02, subd. 2(d)(59)64
Minnesota expressly lists MDAI as a Schedule I hallucinogen. The direct schedule entry makes the state treatment more definite than federal analogue coverage.
New YorkNot scheduledN.Y. Pub. Health Law § 330665
MDAI is not scheduled by name in New York's controlled-substance schedules. The Schedule I hallucinogen list separately names 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine and MDMA, but does not include 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane. New York's schedule text therefore does not impose a named state scheduling outcome on MDAI.
VirginiaIllegalVa. Code Ann. §54.1-3446(3)66
Virginia places MDAI in Schedule I as a hallucinogenic substance. The schedule expressly identifies the chemical as 6,7-dihydro-5H-indeno-(5,6-d)-1,3-dioxol-6-amine, rather than leaving its treatment to analogue analysis. Schedule I listing makes MDAI a controlled substance under Virginia law.
West VirginiaNot scheduledWest Virginia defines a controlled substance as a drug, substance, or immediate precursor in Schedules I through V. Its current Schedule I enumeration does not list MDAI or its chemical designation. The Code's separate definition of an analogue is not included in the definition of a controlled substance.
NorwayNot scheduledMDAI (5,6-metylendioksy-2-aminoindan; 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane) is not named in the current Narkotikalisten annex to the Norwegian Narcotics Regulation. The regulation makes only the substances, drugs, plants, fungi, and mixtures entered in that annex narcotics; its annex contains no general analogue or blanket chemical-class entry that captures MDAI. MDAI is therefore not scheduled as a narcotic under this instrument, although Norwegian medicines law can regulate a product as a medicine when it is intended or presented for medicinal use.
References
Source Pages
Citations
- Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz (NPSG) and Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung (NPSV). ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=200076421
- Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz (NPSG) and Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung (NPSV). ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/eli/bgbl/ii/2011/468/ANL2/NOR402614411
- Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Gesetz (NPSG) and Neue-Psychoaktive-Substanzen-Verordnung (NPSV). ris.bka.gv.at (n.d.). https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=200076051
- Portaria SVS/MS nº 344/1998, Anexo I (as updated by ANVISA). gov.br (n.d.). https://www.gov.br/anvisa/pt-br/assuntos/medicamentos/controlados/lista-substancias1
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. laws-lois.justice.gc.ca (n.d.). https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/FullText.html1
- Decreto Supremo N.º 405 de 1983 del Ministerio de Salud, Reglamento de Productos Psicotrópicos, modificado por Decreto N.º 43 de 2022. diariooficial.interior.gob.cl (n.d.). https://www.diariooficial.interior.gob.cl/publicaciones/2022/01/06/43145/01/2067684.pdf1
- Decreto Supremo N.º 405 de 1983 del Ministerio de Salud, Reglamento de Productos Psicotrópicos, modificado por Decreto N.º 43 de 2022. bcn.cl (n.d.). https://www.bcn.cl/leychile/navegar?idNorma=1171005&idParte=10299514&idVersion=2022-01-061
- Decreto Supremo N.º 405 de 1983 del Ministerio de Salud, Reglamento de Productos Psicotrópicos, modificado por Decreto N.º 43 de 2022. bcn.cl (n.d.). https://www.bcn.cl/leychile/Navegar?idNorma=13066&idParte=9585433&idVersion=2022-04-011
- Catalogue of Non-medical Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. ga.sz.gov.cn (n.d.). https://ga.sz.gov.cn/SZJDZX/SZBMFW/content/post_12898420.html1
- Government Regulation No. 463/2013 Coll., on lists of addictive substances, read with Act No. 167/1998 Coll., on addictive substances. e-sbirka.cz (n.d.). https://www.e-sbirka.cz/sb/2013/4631
Further Reading
Article Status
Step 1 · Automated synthesisAn autonomous workflow built by Josie Kins compiled this article's foundation from information published across the web.
- Step 2 · First-pass reviewPending
Not yet reviewed — this article is pending editorial review by Lyrea.
- Step 3 · Citation reviewPending
No one has reviewed this article's citations yet. That second pass checks each claim against the source it cites.
Recent changes7 human edits · latest
Times are UTCNewest first
24 January 2026
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Josie Kins · Updated the article · also 1,4-Butanediol, 1B-LSD, 1cP-AL-LAD and 573 more
Suggest an edit
Spotted a mistake, an outdated claim, or something missing from the MDAI article? Send the editors a private note. Feedback lands in a moderation queue and is never shown on the site.
Wish to give generalised feedback? You can do so here.