amyl nitrite
Noun
Meaning
amyl nitrite (uncountable)
(pharmacology) A yellowish volatile synthetic liquid C5H11NO2 of commercial amyl alcohol and nitrous acid that is used medicinally as a vasodilator. It is rapidly absorbed by the body on inhalation, and is sometimes used recreationally especially as an aphrodisiac.
Synonyms: (recreational use) popper, amyl
Synonyms
Examples
A selection of "poppers", which are small bottles of the intoxicative inhalant amyl nitrite Quaaludes were so commonly used at discos that the drug was nicknamed "disco biscuits".
Despite a very similar name to amyl nitrite, amyl nitrate has a different chemical composition and different properties.
He had moved his amyl nitrite pills out of his own reach, possibly because of guilt.
In the U.S., originally marketed as a prescription drug in 1937, amyl nitrite remained so until 1960, when the Food and Drug Administration removed the prescription requirement due to its safety record.
Mixing with amyl nitrite is particularly dangerous and potentially fatal.
When the amyl group is a linear or normal (n) alkyl group, the resulting amyl nitrite would have the structural formula CH 3 (CH 2 ) 4 ONO.