Butyl nitrite is the

organic compound Some chemical authorities define an organic compound as a chemical compound that contains a carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bond; others consider an organic compound to be any chemical compound that contains carbon. For example, carbon-co ...

with the formula CH₃(CH₂)₃ONO. It is an

alkyl nitrite In organic chemistry, alkyl nitrites are a group of organic compounds based upon the molecular structure , where R represents an alkyl group. Formally they are alkyl esters of nitrous acid. They are distinct from nitro compounds (). The first ...

made from ''n''-butanol. Butyl nitrite is used recreationally as

poppers Poppers are recreational drugs belonging to the alkyl nitrite family of chemical compounds. When fumes from these substances are inhaled, they act as potent vasodilators, producing mild euphoria, warmth, and dizziness. Most effects have a r ...

. Synonyms include ''1-butyl nitrite'', n''-butyl nitrite'' and ''nitrous acid butyl ester''. It can be prepared by treating

nitrous acid Nitrous acid (molecular formula ) is a weak and monoprotic acid known only in solution, in the gas phase, and in the form of nitrite () salts. It was discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele, who called it " phlogisticated acid of niter". Nitrous ac ...

(generated ''

in situ is a Latin phrase meaning 'in place' or 'on site', derived from ' ('in') and ' ( ablative of ''situs'', ). The term typically refers to the examination or occurrence of a process within its original context, without relocation. The term is use ...

'') with ''n''-butanol.

Applications

Butyl nitrite is one of the compounds used as

inhalant Inhalants are a broad range of household and industrial chemicals whose volatile vapors or pressurized gases can be concentrated and breathed in via the nose or mouth to produce intoxication, in a manner not intended by the manufacturer. They ...

drugs that induce brief

euphoria Euphoria ( ) is the experience (or affect) of pleasure or excitement and intense feelings of well-being and happiness. Certain natural rewards and social activities, such as aerobic exercise, laughter, listening to or making music and da ...

. It was developed by Clifford Hassing, a graduate student in Los Angeles, as a faster-acting analog of

. Among the inhalants' trade names are Rush, Locker Room, and Bolt. They are sometimes marketed as "Cleaner", liquid incense, or room odorizer. It is used for its euphoric effect and for relaxing the

smooth muscles Smooth muscle is one of the three major types of vertebrate muscle tissue, the others being skeletal and cardiac muscle. It can also be found in invertebrates and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. It is non- striated, so-called becau ...

during sexual intercourse. Butyl nitrite is an important reagent in the synthesis of both organic and inorganic compounds and in the production of various other nitrites.Santa Cruz Biotechnology
Butyl nitrite , CAS 544-16-1 , SCBT - Santa Cruz Biotechnology
retrieved on 19 October 2024. It is often used as a nitrosating agent, particularly for the production of

nitrosamines Nitrosamines (or more formally ''N''-nitrosamines) are organic compounds produced by industrial processes. The chemical structure is , where R is usually an alkyl group. Nitrosamines have a nitroso group () that are "probable human carcinogens", ...

References

Antianginals Antidotes Alkyl nitrites Butyl esters {{psychoactive-stub

Applications

See also

References