Substance profile
Ethyl Nitrite
Ethyl Nitrite is a colorless or yellowish, clear liquid with a sweet, rum-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Ethyl Nitrite is
Ethyl Nitrite is a colorless or yellowish, clear liquid with a sweet, rum-like odor. It boils at 17 °C, melts at -50 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H220 | Extremely flammable gas. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P260, P270, P271, P280, P301, P302, P304, P312, P330, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethyl Nitrite properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 17 °C (62.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 17.22 °C (63 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 17 °C (62.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -50 °C (-58 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 0.9 g/cm³ | at 15.5 °C | DOE PAC |
| 0.9 g/cm³ | at 15 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water; decomposes in water; miscible with alcohol, ether | decomposes | HSDB |
| Vapor pressure | 620 mmHg | Haz-Map | |
| Flash point | -35 °C (-31 °F) | CLOSED CUP | HSDB |
| -35 °C (-31 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 90 °C (194 °F) | CAMEO | |
| 90 °C (194 °F) | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 3 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 50 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.6 (air = 1) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethyl Nitrite
Storage conditions
KEEP TIGHTLY CLOSED, IN A COOL PLACE, PROTECTED FROM LIGHT.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
DISASTER HAZARD: HIGHLY DANGEROUS; WHEN HEATED TO DECOMPOSITION OR ON CONTACT WITH ACID OR ACID FUMES, EMITS HIGHLY TOXIC FUMES OF NO(X)...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYL NITRITE is a powerful oxidizing agent. Highly dangerous in contact with acid or acid fumes. Dangerous when heated. Decomposes spontaneously at 194 °F. Decomposed by light.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethyl Nitrite in the storage compatibility matrix →