Amyl Nitrite

AMYL NITRITE, Amylium nitrosum, C₅H₁₁O.NO, a derivative of isoamyl alcohol, is an amyl nitrite ester. It is a highly mobile, pale yellow liquid with a neutral reaction, a fruity odor, and a pungent, pleasant taste. It is sparingly soluble in water and miscible with alcohol and ether in all proportions. It boils at 97–99°; it is highly volatile and decomposes under the influence of light and air. The effect of amyl nitrite on the organism is caused by the inclusion of the nitrous acid group in the alcohol, which easily paralyzes the vasomotor center; in large doses, the depressing effect of amyl nitrite also extends to the vascular wall (Cuschny). The dilation of vessels by amyl nitrite occurs sequentially: first, the vessels of the brain and its membranes, the head, and the face dilate, then the cutaneous vessels of the neck and the upper half of the trunk, and only after this do the vessels of the lower half of the trunk dilate; rarely, the vessels of the thighs. However, in some places, the cutaneous vessels often remain undilated. The coronary vessels dilate simultaneously with the cerebral ones. Heartbeat accelerates, but the force of cardiac contractions remains normal; breathing becomes deep and rapid. A person inhaling amyl nitrite feels heat in the head, heaviness in the back of the head, throbbing of the cervical arteries, and dizziness; with more prolonged inhalation, phenomena of intoxication, loss of consciousness, partial loss of reflexes, and some muscle relaxation occur. Blood pressure, having risen slightly at first, falls lower and lower. In the case of death, breathing stops first, and the heart later. The blood gradually changes due to the action of the nitrous group of amyl nitrite; hemoglobin turns into methemoglobin; the color of the blood becomes dark brown. Amyl nitrite is rapidly excreted from the organism unchanged through the lungs and slightly through the urine, while part of it is probably oxidized to nitrates. Therapeutic application of amyl nitrite: for angina pectoris on the basis of vascular constriction, for spasms of cerebral vessels in those poisoned by cocaine, for migraines, lead colic, seasickness, and nervous bronchial asthma; for the prevention of epileptic seizures if they are accompanied by constriction of cerebral vessels. The maximum single dose of amyl nitrite is 0.2 [grams], or 3 drops for inhalation. In forensic cases, to detect amyl nitrite, the mass suspected of containing it is placed in a flask, water is added, and it is distilled; if amyl nitrite is present, there is a characteristic fruity odor; if there is a lot of amyl nitrite, insoluble drops are visible in the distillate. The distillate is placed in a small flask with an alcoholic solution of caustic soda, connected to an ascending condenser, and heated until the amyl nitrite is saponified. After cooling, the liquid is diluted with water so that the concentration of ethyl alcohol is 10–20%, and it is extracted with chloroform. The chloroform extract is evaporated at room temperature; the oily residue smells of amyl alcohol, upon which reactions are performed (see Amyl alcohol). The aqueous liquid, after extraction with chloroform, is tested for the presence of nitrous acid (see).

V. Nikolaev, A. Stepanov.