Agent Name |
Ethyl nitrite |
CAS Number |
109-95-5 |
Formula |
C2-H5-N-O2 |
Major Category |
Nitrogen Compounds |
Synonyms |
Ethyl nitrite spirit; Ethylester kyseliny dusite [Czech]; Hyponitrous ether; Nitrosyl ethoxide; Nitrous acid, ethyl ester; Nitrous ether; Nitrous ethyl ether; Spirit of ethyl nitrite; Spirit of nitrous ether; Sweet spirit of niter; Sweet spirit of nitre; UN1194; [ChemIDplus] |
Category |
Nitrates and Nitrites |
Description |
Colorless to yellowish liquid with a rum-like odor; [HSDB] |
Sources/Uses |
Used to flavor foods and to synthesize other organic chemicals; [HSDB] |
Comments |
Inhalation or ingestion can cause headache, rapid pulse, hypotension, and unconsciousness. [CHRIS] One fatality was reported after the breakage of a 4 liter bottle containing 24% ethyl nitrite in alcohol. Three cases of methemoglobinemia were reported in workers exposed during the synthesis of hydantoin (glycolylurea). [HSDB] Inhalation of high concentrations causes narcosis; Chronic exposure to chemicals with this reactive group can cause hepatitis; [CAMEO] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
Vapor Pressure |
620 mm Hg |
Lethal Concentration |
LC50 (rats) = 160 ppm/4H |
Flammability (NFPA) |
4: burns readily |
Adverse Effects |
Methemoglobinemia |
Methemoglobinemia, Primary |
Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
Hepatotoxin |
Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ETHYL NITRITE
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