MDAI

is a synthetic molecule of the aminoindane class with structural similarity to amphetamines.

It features the R3 terminal carbon of the propane chain of amphetamine bound to the benzene ring.

This creates an indane group,

a bicyclic moeity containing a benzene ring fused to a pentane ring.

MDAI contains an amino group NH2 bound to R2 of the indane ring.

MDAI also contains two oxygen substitutions at R5 and R6 joined by a methylene bridge to form a methylenedioxy group.

MDAI is structurally related to 2-AI, differing by a methylenedioxy ring.

It has been shown to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and has a selective affinity for the serotonin receptor.

Studies have shown that the brains of animals treated with MDAI have greater extracellular concentrations of monoamine neural transmitters, most significantly serotonin.

For comparison,

is similar in potency with releasing serotonin to MDA,

but significantly less potent than MDMA.

This is done by inhibiting the reuptake and reabsorption of the neurotransmitters after they have performed their function of transmitting a neural impulse,

essentially allowing them to accumulate, be reused and cause entactogenic effects.