Butyl nitrate is a colorless oil. It is often confused with butyl nitrite, which is sometimes used as a recreational inhalant.
Safety
Butyl nitrate is an explosive. It reacts explosively with Lewis acids such as boron trifluoride and aluminium chloride. When heated to decomposition, it emits fumes of nitrous oxide.Fact Sheet 30
References
"Nitric Acid, Butylester." Butyl Nitrate (928-45-0), Butyl Nitrate (928-45-0) Manufacturers & Suppliers, Synthesis, MSDS. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2012.