Hexyl nitrite is primarily used in the medical field as a vasodilator, helping to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow. It is often employed in the treatment of angina pectoris, providing quick relief by relaxing the smooth muscles in blood vessels, thereby reducing the heart's workload. Additionally, it has been utilized recreationally for its euphoric effects, though this use is not medically sanctioned and carries significant health risks. In industrial settings, hexyl nitrite serves as a precursor in the synthesis of other organic compounds, contributing to the production of various chemicals and materials. Its volatile nature also makes it useful in certain analytical chemistry applications, particularly in gas chromatography.