Cyclohexyl nitrite is an

organic compound In chemistry, organic compounds are generally any chemical compounds that contain carbon-hydrogen or carbon-carbon bonds. Due to carbon's ability to catenate (form chains with other carbon atoms), millions of organic compounds are known. T ...

, with formula C₆H₁₁NO₂. It is the ester of

cyclohexanol Cyclohexanol is the organic compound with the formula HOCH(CH2)5. The molecule is related to cyclohexane by replacement of one hydrogen atom by a hydroxyl group. This compound exists as a deliquescent colorless solid with a camphor-like odor, w ...

and

nitrous acid Nitrous acid (molecular formula ) is a weak and monoprotic acid known only in solution, in the gas phase and in the form of nitrite () salts. Nitrous acid is used to make diazonium salts from amines. The resulting diazonium salts are reagent ...

, i.e. it is an alkyl nitrite. Like

amyl nitrite Amyl nitrite is a chemical compound with the formula C5H11ONO. A variety of isomers are known, but they all feature an amyl group attached to the nitrite functional group. The alkyl group is unreactive and the chemical and biological properties ...

and

butyl nitrite Butyl nitrite is the organic compound with the formula CH3(CH2)3ONO. It is an alkyl nitrite made from ''n''-butanol. Butyl nitrite is used recreationally as poppers. Synonyms include ''1-butyl nitrite'', n''-butyl nitrite'' and ''nitrous acid b ...

, it acts as an

antianginal An antianginal is a drug used in the treatment of ''angina pectoris'', a symptom of ischaemic heart disease. Examples Drugs used are nitrates, beta blockers, or calcium channel blockers. Nitrates Nitrates cause vasodilation of the venous ca ...

due to vasodilation. The compound is colorless, volatile liquid.

Safety

Inhaling the cyclohexyl nitrite vapor can lead to headache and dangerously low blood pressure.

Recreational use

Since early 2020 cyclohexyl nitrite has become popular as a recreational drug called

poppers Popper is a slang term given broadly to drugs of the chemical class called alkyl nitrites that are inhaled. Most widely sold products include the original isoamyl nitrite or isopentyl nitrite, and isopropyl nitrite. Isobutyl nitrite is al ...

, mostly labeled as Canadian formula in various online stores that offer purchase of the drug. When used as an inhalant the effects are described as - stimulating ejaculation and orgasm, relaxation of sphincter muscles during anal sex, therefore making this compound appealing to the gay community, although users describe the experience as ''not even close'' compared to other alkyl nitrites.

References

Antianginals Antidotes Alkyl nitrites Cyclohexyl compounds {{cardiovascular-drug-stub