General Description
Clear yellow liquid.
Reactivity Profile
ISOAMYL NITRITE(110-46-3) is an oxidizing agent but can serve as a reducing agent. Forms explosive mixtures with air or oxygen. .
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Decomposes on exposure to air and light. Insoluble in water.
Potential Exposure
Amyl nitrite is used to make pharmaceuticals;
perfumes, diazonium compounds, and other
chemicals.
Fire Hazard
This chemical is flammable.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,
begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical
facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical
attention. Give large quantities of water and induce
vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
Shipping
UN1993 Flammable liquids, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid, Technical Name
Required.
Incompatibilities
Vapors may form explosive mixture with
air. Slowly decomposes in light, heat, and on contact with
water. A strong oxidizer. Contact with reducing agents and
easily oxidizable materials may cause fire and explosions.
Reported to be an explosion hazard when exposed to air and
light. Keep away from alcohols, antipyrine, alkaline materials;
alkaline carbonates; potassium iodide; bromides, and ferrous
salts. Attacks metals in the presence of moisture.
Description
Amyl nitrite had been used clinically as early as 1867, when the
Scottish physician Sir Thomas Brunton used it as a vasodilator
as treatment for angina pectoris in his patients. In the late
1880s, a protective effect on cyanide toxicity in canines was
noted when amyl nitrite was inhaled postexposure. Amyl
nitrite has been used clinically in a multicomponent cyanide
antidote kit and is also a recreational drug of abuse (‘poppers’).
Waste Disposal
Incineration with scrubber to
remove nitrogen oxides from the combustion gases.
Definition
ChEBI: A nitrite ester having isopentyl as the alkyl group.
Hazard
Flammable, dangerous fire risk, a strong oxidizer. Vapor may explode if ignited.
Environmental Fate
The primary mechanism of toxicity develops from the
powerful oxidative effects of nitrites on hemoglobin. Methemoglobinemia,
which develops when the iron atom in
hemoglobin loses one electron to an oxidant, causing a change
from the ferrous (2+) state to the ferric (3+) state, may cause
cellular hypoxia. When methemoglobin levels exceed
10–15%, cyanosis may be evident. Nitrites also cause vasodilation
by direct action on smooth muscle. Physical effects
include decreases in blood pressure, headache, flushing of the
face, increased heart rate, dizziness, and relaxation of involuntary
muscles, especially of the blood vessels and the anal
sphincter.
Amyl nitrite may be irritating to the lungs and throat when
breathed in. With exposure to the skin, amyl nitrite has irritant
properties. It can also be readily absorbed, causing systemic
effects with skin contact.
Toxicity evaluation
A volatile liquid, amyl nitrite is slightly soluble in water and is
commonly supplied in ampoules that are broken and administered
by inhalation. Inhalation is likely the most common
route of exposure, though reports of ingestion of the liquid
itself have been seen. Amyl nitrite may also be absorbed
through the skin when skin comes in contact with the liquid.Amyl nitrite is an unstable compound. It is air and light
sensitive and flammable. Amyl nitrite forms explosive mixtures
with air or oxygen, and it is incompatible with oxidizing agents
and reducing agents.
