Alkyl nitrites
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Alkyl nitrites or Poppers are a class of inhalant recreational drugs used for the treatment of angina. Alkyl nitrites are also considered a somewhat undesirable class of recreational drugs. There are various different alkyl nitrites, like amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite, ethyl nitrite, methyl nitrite, and cyclohexyl nitrite. The vapours of the alkyl nitrite are inhaled, inducing an almost-instant 'head rush,' which consists of an intense euphoria. Alkyl nitrites are often used for the enhancement of sexual experience, although alkyl nitrites do not produce any sexual stimulation.
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Basics
Cyclohexyl nitrite is found in so-called 'room deodorizers,' despite the malodorous nature of this compound. Butyl nitrite is often sold in small bottles that, like amyl nitrite capsules, are referred to as poppers. Nitrites are available in adult bookstores and shops and over the Internet. In contrast to the vast majority of inhalants, alkyl nitrites are encumbered by a variety of legal restrictions, though the status of cyclohexyl nitrite — technically not a member of the class of alkyl nitrites encompassed by the law — remains in question in the United States, as a result of the controversial Federal Analog Act.
The most popular of alkyl nitrite is Amyl nitrite (pentyl nitrite in IUPAC nomenclature) which was popularized in Hunter S. Thompsons Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. Other popular nitrites include Isopropyl nitrite, and Cyclohexyl nitrite. Cyclohexyl nitrite is the most common due to its current legal status.
The two main vessles for alkyl nitrites are glass vials ("freshness jars"), or small ampules which are popped or snapped in order to release the vapors. The name snappers is sometimes used. The vials are simply uncapped, and the vapours are inhaled. The ampules contain small amounts of the alkyl nitrite, and are enough for one dose; while the vials contain enough of the alkyl nitrite for hundreds of doses.
Users
Poppers are most commonly found in usage by homosexual men. The drugs are less common today than before, but are generally used in an attempt to prolong sexual stamina. The existence of poppers became more widely known to the layman when they appeared in Radley Metzger's cult classic film Score (1972). In the film, a bisexual woman glides them under the nose of a heterosexual woman in an attempt to loosen her vagina for seduction.
Homosexual men are the main marketing target for "Poppers," since the alkyl nitrites loosen the muscles around the anus, allowing easier penetration and enhanced sensation. In addition, they greatly enhance and prolong orgasms.
Nitrite users — who tend to be adults rather than adolescents like other inhalant users — seek to enhance the sexual experience. Inhaled nitrites dilate blood vessels, increase heart rate, and produce a sensation of heat and excitement that can last for several minutes.
They are also inhaled by users of other recreational drugs to enhance the effects, for example Ecstasy, the effects of which combine with those of Nitrites to produce an extremely intense rush of euphoria and physical pleasure. Nitrites are a large part of rave culture.
Chemistry
Alkyl nitrites are synthesized from primary alcohols. The reaction process for Alkyl Nitrites is as follows:
R-OH =NaNO2/H2SO4=> R-ONO + NaSO4 + H2O
It was discovered that Alkyl nitrites are also a precursor for MDP2P (Shown in US Patent 4,638,094), a phenylacetone used in the production of MDMA, more commonly known as "Ecstasy." The basic reaction process is shown below:
MeONO in corresponding alcohol + safrole + PdCl2 [+ CuCl2 or amine ] = MDP2P
Health Hazards
There are a range of dangers unique to the abuse of alkyl nitrites: the induction of symptomatic methemoglobinemia raises serious questions regarding their safety in the absence of expert supervision. Use with Viagra can cause heart failure, and individuals with anaemia or heart, breathing or blood pressure conditions are at risk of complications. Use during pregnancy has been implicated in the characteristic blue baby syndrome, readily crossing the placenta. An early, apparently causal association between nitrite abuse and Kaposi's sarcoma has not been borne out through recent research, though on-going controversy from the likes of Peter Duesberg remains. Since pressure in the eye is increased, it is possible that individuals with glaucoma should not use alkyl nitrites.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, use of these drugs is associated with unsafe sexual practices that greatly increase the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Alkyl nitrites can burn the skin on contact, and may be fatal if swallowed.
Medical Uses
Alkyl nitrites are clinically utilized as a vasodilator in order to treat angina, and as part of the treatment regimen for cyanide poisoning.
Street Names
- Poppers
- Amyls
- Snappers
Brand names
- TNT
- Liquid Gold
- Rush
- Rave
External Links
| Alkyl nitrites edit |
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{Amyl nitrite} {Butyl nitrite} {Ethyl nitrite} {Methyl nitrite} {Isopropyl nitrite} {Cyclohexyl nitrite} |