General Description
A clear colorless to yellowish liquid with a fragrant, fruity odor and pungent aromatic taste. Flash point below 73°F. Boiling point 205-210°F (96-99°C). Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air. Produces toxic oxides of nitrogen during combustion. Used in medicine and to make other chemicals.
Reactivity Profile
AMYL NITRITE(463-04-7) is an oxidizing agent. May begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation if mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Decomposes on exposure to air, light, or water. Many, but not all, will be colorless flammable toxic gases. Insoluble in water. Reaction with moisture in air or with water produces nitric acid.
Health Hazard
Inhalation or ingestion causes flushing of the face, pulsatile headache, disturbing tachycardia, cyanosis (methemoglobinemia), weakness, confusion, restlessness, faintness, and collapse. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation.
Potential Exposure
Amyl nitrite is used to make pharmaceuticals;
perfumes, diazonium compounds, and other
chemicals.
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 nitrites are flammable, yellowishliquid with a penetrating, fruity odor. Molecularweight= 117.17; Boiling point= 104℃; Specific gravity(H2O:1)= 0.8758 at 20℃; Liquid surface tension= 5 (estimate) 0.020 N/m at 20℃; Liquid water interfacialtension 5 (estimate) 0.040 N/m at 20℃; Relative vapordensity (air= 1) 5 4; Ratio of specific heats of vapor(gas) 5 1.0709; Latent heat of vaporization=4.94 3 105 J/kg; Heat of combustion 5 2 290 3 105 J/kg;Vapor pressure= (estimate) 27 mmHg; 3.48 kPa at 20℃;Flash point= 3℃ (n-); 3℃ (iso-); Autoignitiontemperature= 209°210℃. Hazard Identification (basedon NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 1, Flammability-,Reactivity 2. Floats on water; very slightly soluble;decomposes.
Chemical Properties
Amyl nitrites are flammable, yellowish liquid
with a penetrating, fruity odor.
Waste Disposal
Incineration with scrubber to
remove nitrogen oxides from the combustion gases.
Uses
Amyl Nitrite is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Definition
ChEBI: A nitrite ester having n-pentyl as the alkyl group.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet awayfrom ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Before entering confined space where amyl nitrite may be present, check tomake sure that an explosive concentration does not exist.Store in an explosion-proof refrigerator. Protect fromlight. Keep under an inert atmosphere. Metal containersinvolving the transfer of this chemical should be grounded and bonded. Where possible, automatically pump liquidfrom drums or other storage containers to process containers. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves,pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when openingand closing containers of this chemical. Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibitedwhere this chemical is used, handled, or stored in a mannerthat could create a potential fire or explosion hazard.
