Agent Name | Ethyl nitrite |
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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 | |
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 |
Flammability (NFPA) | |
Adverse Effects | |
Neurotoxin | CNS Solvent Syndrome |
Hepatotoxin | Hepatotoxin, Secondary |
Methemoglobinemia | Methemoglobinemia, Primary |
Links to Other NLM Databases | |
Health Studies | Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: |
Toxicity Information | |
Chemical Information | |
Related Information in HazMap | |
Diseases | Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: |