AMYL, NITRITE OF

AMYL, NITRITE OF, $C\_5H\_\{11\}NO\_2$, a valuable drug which must not be confounded with Nitrate of Amyl, may be prepared by the action of nitric acid on fusel oil (amylic alcohol). It is a pale yellowish liquid, with an ethereal fruity odour, the vapour of which, when inhaled, even in very small quantity, causes violent flushing of the face and a feeling as if the head would burst. It is a very powerful remedy in all convulsive diseases, and is of special value in angina pectoris, as well as in asthma. Owing to its volatile nature it is usually kept in small glass globes containing from two to five drops, one of which, when crushed in the handkerchief, and the vapour breathed, will often give immediate relief.