Amyl nitrite
Videos
Amyl nitrite is a chemical compound with the formula C5H11NO2. A variety of isomers are known, but they all feature an amyl group attached to the nitrite functional group. The alkyl group is unreactiv
An early container of amyl nitrite, Hunterian Museum, Glasgow
Vasodilation
Videos
Vasodilation, also known as vasorelaxation, is the widening of blood vessels. It results from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, in particular in the large veins, large arterie
Amyl nitrite
…the chemical and biological properties are mainly due to the nitrite group. Like other alkyl nitrites, amyl nitrite is bioactive in mammals, being a vasodilator, which is the basis of its use as a prescription medicine. As an inhalant, it also has a psychoactive effect, which has led to its recreational use…
Normal blood vessel (left) vs. vasodilation (right)