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.
Uses
Amyl Nitrite is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Definition
ChEBI: A nitrite ester having n-pentyl as the alkyl group.
General Description
Amyl nitrite, isopentyl nitrite [(CH
3)
2CHCH
2CH
2ONO], isa mixture of isomeric amyl nitrites but is principally isoamylnitrite. It may be prepared from amyl alcohol and HNO
2 byseveral procedures. Usually, amyl nitrite is dispensed in ampul form and used by inhalation or orally in alcohol solution.Currently, it is recommended for treating cyanide poisoning;although not the best antidote, it does not require intravenousinjections.
Amyl nitrite is a yellowish liquid with an ethereal odor anda pungent taste. It is volatile and inflammable at room temperature.Amyl nitrite vapor forms an explosive mixture in air oroxygen. Inhalation of the vapor may involve definite explosionhazards if a source of ignition is present, as both roomand body temperatures are within the flammability range ofamyl nitrite mixtures with either air or oxygen. It is nearly insolublein water but is miscible with organic solvents. The nitritealso will decompose in valeric acid and nitric acid.
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.
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.
Reactivity Profile
Pentyl nitrite is an oxidizing agent. May begin a vigorous reaction that culminates in a detonation if mixed with reducing agents, including hydrides, sulfides and nitrides.
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.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
inhalation and ingestion. Causes flushing of
skin, rapid pulse, headache, and fall in blood
pressure. Mutation data reported. See also
NITRITES and ESTERS. Flammable when
exposed to heat or flame or by spontaneous
chemical reaction. To fight fire, use alcohol
foam. An oxidizing material. Vapors
explode when heated. It will react with
oxidizing or reducing materials. When
heated to decomposition it emits toxic
fumes of NOx.
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 anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contactsthe skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attentionimmediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, removefrom exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing hasstopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transferpromptly to a medical facility. When this chemical hasbeen swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.Note to physician: Treat for methemoglobinemia.Spectrophotometry may be required for precise determination of levels of methemoglobinemia in urine.
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.
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.
Waste Disposal
Incineration with scrubber to
remove nitrogen oxides from the combustion gases.
