Isobutyl nitrite
Agent Name
Isobutyl nitrite
CAS Number
542-56-3
Formula
C4-H9-N-O2
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
Blackjack; IBN; Isobutyl nitrite; Nitrous acid, 2-methylpropyl ester; Nitrous acid, isobutyl ester; [ChemIDplus] UN1992
Category
Nitrates and Nitrites
Description
Clear colorless to pale yellow liquid; [CAMEO]
Sources/Uses
Used as a chemical intermediate and a drug for angina pectoris; [ACGIH] Amyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite are used as illicit, aphrodisiac inhalants to enhance erection. [AHLS, p. 199]
Comments
High doses cause death from methemoglobinemia in acute and subchronic animal studies. "Delayed animal deaths were attributeed to hepatotoxicity;" [ACGIH] Liver damage as a cause of death was suggested in one animal study. [HSDB] A volatile substance that may be abused by inhalation mainly for its vasodilator properties; [Reference #1]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
BEI
Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or at end of shift. [ACGIH]
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
Ceiling (ACGIH)
1 ppm
Vapor Pressure
10 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 777 ppm/4h
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = -10 deg F;
Adverse Effects
Methemoglobinemia
MetHgb is secondary toxic effect
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
IARC Carcinogen
Possible (2b)
ACGIH Carcinogen
Confirmed Animal
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.