Ethyl nitrite
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]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
BEI
Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or at end of shift. [ACGIH]
Vapor Pressure
620 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 160 ppm/4H
NFPA
burn readily
Adverse Effects
Methemoglobinemia
MetHgb is primary toxic effect
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: