5111. Isoamyl Acetate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 123-92-2
3-Methyl-1-butanol 1-acetate; amylacetic ester.
C7H14O2; mol wt 130.18.
C 64.58%, H 10.84%, O 24.58%.

Description and references

The technical product is also known as pear oil or banana oil.

Chemical structure

Properties

Colorless, neutral liq; pear-like odor and taste. d415 0.876. Pure isoamyl acetate bp 142°. nD21 1.400; the ordinary grade of commerce boils between 120-145°. Flash pt, closed cup: 92°F (33°C); open cup: 100°F (38°C). Sol in 400 parts water; miscible with alcohol, ether, ethyl acetate, amyl alcohol. Soly of water in isoamyl acetate (25°) 1.6% by volume.

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin, nose and throat; dermatitis. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 174.

Use

In alcohol solution as a pear flavor in mineral waters and syrups; as solvent for old oil colors, for tannins, nitrocellulose, lacquers, celluloid, and camphor; swelling bath sponges; covering unpleasant odors, perfuming shoe polish; manuf artificial silk, leather or pearls, photographic films, celluloid cements, waterproof varnishes, bronzing liquids, and metallic paints; dyeing and finishing textiles. A special grade of the amyl acetate has been used for burning in the Hefner lamp serving as a photometric standard.