Amyl nitrite
Agent Name
Amyl nitrite
CAS Number
110-46-3
Formula
C5-H11-N-O2
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
3-Methylbutanol nitrite; 3-Methylbutyl nitrite; Amilnitrite; Amyl nitrite (VAN); Aspiral; Isoamyl nitrite; Isopentyl nitrite; Nitramyl; Nitramyl (VAN); Nitrous acid, 3-methylbutyl ester; Nitrous acid, isopentyl ester; Pentanoli nitris; Vaporole; [ChemIDplus] UN1113
Category
Nitrates and Nitrites
Description
Yellowish transparent liquid with a penetrating, somewhat fruity odor; Unstable, decomposed by light and air; [Merck Index] Colorless liquid; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used in perfumes and to make diazonium compounds; Also used as a drug (vasodilator for angina and antidote for hydrogen cyanide poisoning); [HSDB]
Comments
Flammable liquid that forms explosive mixture with air or oxygen; [Merck Index] May be absorbed through skin; Can induce methemoglobinemia; [ICSC] Inhalation of one crushable ampule produces vasodilation and a methemoglobin level of about 5%. IV administration of a single dose produces a methemoglobin level of about 15-20%. IV administration can cause hypotension and potentially fatal methemoglobinemia; [Olson, p. 592]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
26.3 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 716 ppm/4h
NFPA
may ignite at ambient temp
Adverse Effects
Methemoglobinemia
MetHgb is secondary toxic effect
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.