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
References
- ^ EPA on Pentyl nitrate
- ^ Zajac, W. W. Jr. (2001). "1-Nitropropane". Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis. John Wiley & Sons. doi:10.1002/047084289X.rn051. ISBN 0471936235.
- ^ "Amyl Nitrate | Cameo Chemicals | Noaa". Cameochemicals.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2016-09-22.