Butyl nitrite
Butyl Nitrite
Butyl nitrite (pronounced: byoo-til nai-trait) is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H9NO2. It is a part of the alkyl nitrites family, which are primarily used as a recreational drug for their euphoric and smooth muscle-relaxing effects.
Etymology
The term "Butyl nitrite" is derived from its chemical structure. "Butyl" refers to the four-carbon alkyl group present in the compound, while "nitrite" refers to the NO2 group attached to it.
Usage
Butyl nitrite is often used recreationally, known colloquially as "poppers". It is inhaled for its intoxicating effects, which include a sense of euphoria and relaxation of smooth muscles, particularly those in the vascular system and anus. It is also used in a medical context as an antidote for cyanide poisoning, due to its ability to oxidize hemoglobin into methemoglobin, which can bind to cyanide and neutralize it.
Related Terms
- Alkyl nitrites: A group of compounds, including butyl nitrite, that are used recreationally for their euphoric and smooth muscle-relaxing effects.
- Vascular system: The body's network of blood vessels, which can be relaxed by the inhalation of butyl nitrite.
- Hemoglobin: A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It can be oxidized into methemoglobin by butyl nitrite, allowing it to bind to and neutralize cyanide.
Health Risks
While butyl nitrite is often used recreationally, it is not without its risks. Inhalation can lead to headaches, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure. Long-term use can lead to methemoglobinemia, a condition in which an excessive amount of methemoglobin is produced, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Butyl nitrite
- Wikipedia's article - Butyl nitrite
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