Amyl nitrate explained

Amyl nitrate is the chemical compound with the formula CH₃(CH₂)₄ONO₂. This molecule consists of the 5-carbon amyl group attached to a nitrate functional group.^[1] It is the ester of amyl alcohol and nitric acid.

Applications

Alkyl nitrates are employed as reagents in organic synthesis.^[2] Amyl nitrate is used as an additive in diesel fuel, where it acts as an "ignition improver" (cetane improver) by accelerating the ignition of fuel.^[3]

See also

• Amyl nitrite – a similarly named chemical used to treat heart diseases and cyanide poisoning

Notes and References

1. http://epa.gov/ttn/atw/nsps/socww/pt60appj.pdf#search=%221002-16-0%201-Pentyl%20%22 EPA on Pentyl nitrate
2. Encyclopedia: Zajac, W. W. Jr. . Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis . 2001 . John Wiley & Sons . 10.1002/047084289X.rn051 . 1-Nitropropane . 0471936235 .
3. Web site: Amyl Nitrate | Cameo Chemicals | Noaa . Cameochemicals.noaa.gov . 2016-09-22.