Amyl nitrite is the
chemical compound with the
formula C
5H
11ONO. 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 are mainly due to the nitrite group. Like other
alkyl nitrites, amyl nitrite is bioactive in mammals, being a
vasodilator, which is the basis of its use as a prescription medicine. As an inhalant, it also has a
psychoactive effect, which has led to its recreational use.