Alkyl nitrites, commonly known as poppers, are a group of volatile compounds with a varied medical and legal history. Despite being sold under the guise of household use (e.g. “room deodoriser”), poppers are commonly used within the UK for off-label, albeit legal, recreational purposes. First prescribed as a treatment for angina pectoris due to their vasodilatory effects, poppers now find popularity for the “headrush” and sexual enhancement experienced by users upon inhalation. Previous attempts to regulate poppers have placed them in a legal and regulatory grey area, allowing manufacturers to circumvent product safety laws. As a result, the chemical composition of poppers has been brought into question, and the risk of potential contamination has been reported. This study aims to identify the chemical composition of six commercially available popper samples, with a specific focus upon the identification of potential contaminants. Analysis was conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, with the methodology being optimised for alkyl nitrite testing. Results showed that all samples were mixtures, with the compounds being identified as isopropyl nitrite and isopropanol. All samples were found to be of high purity compared to others reported in the literature, with the only non-nitrite compound identified (isopropanol) being a by-product of isopropyl nitrite degradation. The concentration of isopropanol in each sample varied significantly (24.99 ± 11.32 ppm to 938.25 ± 21.40 ppm). No other contaminants or impurities were identified. Whilst these findings suggest that the purity of poppers is high, the lack of regulation and known quality control procedures employed by manufacturers means that further research into the range of other commercially available brands is needed. Furthermore, poppers present inherent risks to users, and relevant legislation should be reconsidered to promote consumer safety through clear regulation and regular product testing.
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