Poppers is a slang term

Slang

Slang is the use of informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker's language or dialect but are considered more acceptable when used socially. Slang is often to be found in areas of the lexicon that refer to things considered taboo...

 for various alkyl nitrites

Alkyl nitrites

Alkyl nitrites are a group of chemical compounds based upon the molecular structure R-ONO. Formally they are alkyl esters of nitrous acid. They are distinct from nitro compounds ....

 inhaled

Inhalant

Inhalants are a broad range of drugs whose volatile vapors are taken in via the nose and trachea. They are taken by volatilization, and do not include drugs that are inhaled after burning or heating...

 for recreational purposes, particularly isopropyl nitrite

Isopropyl nitrite

The chemical compound isopropyl nitrite is an alkyl nitrite made from isopropanol. It is a clear pale yellow oil.-Applications:...

 (2-propyl nitrite) and isobutyl nitrite

Isobutyl nitrite

Isobutyl nitrite, C4H9NO2, is an alkyl nitrite, an ester of isobutanol and nitrous acid. Its chemical structure is 2CH-CH2--O.Isobutyl nitrite is a pungent colorless liquid. It acts as a vasodilator, and is used as an inhalant recreational drug....

 (2-methylpropyl nitrite), and now more rarely, butyl nitrite

Butyl nitrite

Butyl nitrite is an alkyl nitrite made from n-butanol. Butyl nitrite is used recreationally as poppers.-Chemistry:Synonyms include N-butyl nitrite, 1-butyl nitrite and nitrous acid, butyl ester....

 and amyl nitrite

Amyl nitrite

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

 (isoamyl nitrite, isopentyl nitrite). Amyl nitrite is used medically as an antidote

Antidote

An antidote is a substance which can counteract a form of poisoning. The term ultimately derives from the Greek αντιδιδοναι antididonai, "given against"....

 to cyanide poisoning

Cyanide poisoning

Cyanide poisoning occurs when a living organism is exposed to a compound that produces cyanide ions when dissolved in water. Common poisonous cyanide compounds include hydrogen cyanide gas and the crystalline solids potassium cyanide and sodium cyanide...

, but the term "poppers" refers specifically to recreational use. Amyl nitrite and several other alkyl nitrites, which are present in products such as air freshener

Air freshener

Air fresheners are consumer products used in homes or commercial products used in restrooms that typically emit fragrance. There are two broad air freshener categories: continuous action and instant action...

 and video head cleaner

Video head cleaner

A video head cleaner is a substance used for cleaning the record/playback heads of a video or audio cassette player.Audio and video cassette players require regular maintenance to perform properly. Particles that come off the magnetic tape from the videocassette can build up on the helical scan...

, are often inhaled with the goal of enhancing sexual pleasure.