Amyl nitrite

Not to be confused with amyl nitrate.

Amyl nitrite

Names
IUPAC name (3-methylbutyl) nitrite
Other names Isoamyl nitrite Nitramyl 3-methyl-1-nitrosooxybutane Pentyl alcohol nitrite(ambiguous) Nitrous acid, pentyl ester(ambiguous) poppers (colloquial, street slang)
Identifiers
CAS Number	110-46-3 Y
ChEBI	CHEBI:55344 Y
ChemSpider	9632 Y
DrugBank	DB01612 Y
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
KEGG	D00517 Y
PubChem	10026
RTECS number	NT0187500
UNII	5N0U5TUC9Z Y
InChI InChI=1S/C5H11NO2/c1-2-3-4-5-8-6-7/h2-5H2,1H3 Y Key: CSDTZUBPSYWZDX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C5H11NO2/c1-2-3-4-5-8-6-7/h2-5H2,1H3 Key: CSDTZUBPSYWZDX-UHFFFAOYAT
SMILES O=NOCCCCC
Properties
Chemical formula	C5H11NO2
Molar mass	117.15 g·mol−1
Appearance	Colourless liquid
Density	0.872 g/cm3, liquid (25 °C)
Boiling point	99 °C (210 °F; 372 K)
Solubility in water	slightly soluble
Pharmacology
ATC code	V03AB22
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Related compounds
Related compounds	Nitroglycerine Isopentanol Butyl nitrite Isobutyl nitrite Ethyl nitrite Methyl nitrite Isopropyl nitrite Cyclohexyl nitrite
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Amyl nitrite is the chemical compound with the formula C₅H₁₁ONO. A variety of isomers are known, but they all feature an amyl group attached to the nitrite functional group. The alkyl group is unreactive and the chemical and biological properties are mainly due to the nitrite group. Like other alkyl nitrites, amyl nitrite is bioactive in mammals, being a vasodilator, which is the basis of its use as a prescription medicine. As an inhalant, it also has a psychoactive effect, which has led to its recreational use.

Nomenclature

The term "amyl nitrite" encompasses several isomers. For example, a common form of amyl nitrite with the formula (CH₃)₂CHCH₂CH₂ONO may be more specifically referred to as isoamyl nitrite. When the amyl group is a linear or normal (n) alkyl group, the resulting amyl nitrite would have the structural formula CH₃(CH₂)₄ONO.

Despite a very similar name to amyl nitrite, amyl nitrate has a different chemical composition and different properties.

Synthesis and reactions

Alkyl nitrites are prepared by the reaction of alcohols with nitrous acid:

C₅H₁₁OH + HONO → C₅H₁₁ONO + H₂O

The reaction is called esterification. Synthesis of alkyl nitrites is, in general, straightforward and can be accomplished in home laboratories. A common procedure includes the dropwise addition of concentrated sulfuric acid to a cooled mixture of an aqueous sodium nitrite solution and an alcohol. The intermediately-formed stoichiometric mixture of nitrous and nitric oxide then converts the alcohol to the alkyl nitrite, which, due to its low density, will form an upper layer that can be easily decanted from the reaction mixture.

Isoamyl nitrite decomposes in the presence of base to give nitrite salts and the isoamyl alcohol:

C₅H₁₁ONO + NaOH → C₅H₁₁OH + NaNO₂

Amyl nitrite, like other alkyl nitrites, reacts with carbanions to give oximes.

Amyl nitrites are also useful as reagents in a modification of the Sandmeyer reaction. The reaction of the alkyl nitrite with an aromatic amine in a halogenated solvent produces a radical aromatic species, this then abstracts a halogen atom from the solvent. For the synthesis of aryl iodides diiodomethane is used, whereas bromoform is the solvent of choice for the synthesis of aryl bromides.

Physiological effects

Amyl nitrite, in common with other alkyl nitrites, is a potent vasodilator; it expands blood vessels, resulting in lowering of the blood pressure. Alkyl nitrites are a source of nitric oxide, which signals for relaxation of the involuntary muscles. Physical effects include decrease in blood pressure, headache, flushing of the face, increased heart rate, dizziness, and relaxation of involuntary muscles, especially the blood vessel walls and the internal and external anal sphincter. There are no withdrawal symptoms. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, hypotension, hypoventilation, shortness of breath, and fainting. The effects set in very quickly, typically within a few seconds and disappear within a few minutes. Amyl nitrite may also intensify the experience of synesthesia.

Applications

• Amyl nitrite is employed medically to treat heart diseases such as angina. It is also used as an inhalant drug that induces a brief euphoric state, and when combined with other intoxicant stimulant drugs such as cocaine or ecstasy (see MDMA), the euphoric state intensifies and is prolonged. Once some stimulative drugs wear off, a common side effect is a period of depression or anxiety, colloquially called a "come down"; amyl nitrite is sometimes used to combat these negative after-effects. This effect, combined with its dissociative effects, has led to its use as a recreational drug (see poppers).

• Amyl nitrite is sometimes used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning. It can act as an oxidant, to induce the formation of methemoglobin. Methemoglobin in turn can sequester cyanide as cyanomethemoglobin.

• Amyl nitrite is used as a cleaning agent and solvent in industrial and household applications. It replaced freon (a.k.a. dichlorodifluoromethane, an industrial chemical universally banned in 1996 due to damage to the ozone layer) as a printed circuit board cleaner. A very small amount is added to perfumes, as it will neutralize odors quickly.

External links

• Editorial on the use of the word "amyl".