Isoamyl nitrite decomposes in the presence of base to give nitrite salts and the isoamyl alcohol:Īmyl nitrite, like other alkyl nitrites, reacts with carbanions to give oximes. The intermediately-formed stoichiometric mixture of nitrogen dioxide 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. A common procedure includes the dropwise addition of concentrated sulfuric acid to a cooled mixture of an aqueous sodium nitrite solution and an alcohol.
Synthesis of alkyl nitrites is, in general, straightforward and can be accomplished in home laboratories. At the same time, isopropyl nitrite has a similar structure and similar uses (also called 'poppers') but with worse side-effects.Īlkyl nitrites are prepared by the reaction of alcohols with nitrous acid: ROH + HONO → RONO + H 2O, where R = alkyl group The similarly named amyl nitrate has very different properties. In older literature, the common non-systematic name amyl was often used for the pentyl group, where the amyl group is a linear or normal (n) alkyl group, and the resulting amyl nitrite would have the structural formula CH 3(CH 2) 4ONO, also referred to as n-amyl nitrite.Ī common form of amyl nitrite is the isomer with the formula (CH 3) 2CHCH 2CH 2ONO, which may be more specifically referred to as isoamyl nitrite. The term "amyl nitrite" encompasses several isomers. This effect, combined with its dissociative effects, has led to its use as a recreational drug (see poppers). 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. It is also used recreationally as an inhalant drug that induces a brief euphoric state, and when combined with other intoxicant stimulant drugs such as cocaine or MDMA, the euphoric state intensifies and is prolonged.Trace amounts are added to some perfumes. It replaced dichlorodifluoromethane, an industrial chemical universally banned in 1996 due to damage to the ozone layer, as a printed circuit board cleaner. Amyl nitrite is used as a cleaning agent and solvent in industrial and household applications.Methemoglobin in turn can sequester cyanide as cyanomethemoglobin. It can act as an oxidant, to induce the formation of methemoglobin. Amyl nitrite is sometimes used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning.Amyl nitrite is employed medically to treat heart diseases as well as angina.
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