Amyl acetate explained

Amyl acetate should not be confused with sec-Amyl acetate.

Amyl acetate (pentyl acetate) is an organic compound and an ester with the chemical formula CH₃COO[CH₂]₄CH₃ and the molecular weight 130.19g/mol. It is colorless and has a scent similar to bananas^{[1] [2]} and apples.^[3] The compound is the condensation product of acetic acid and 1-pentanol. However, esters formed from other pentanol isomers (amyl alcohols), or mixtures of pentanols, are often referred to as amyl acetate. The symptoms of exposure to amyl acetate in humans are dermatitis, central nervous system depression, narcosis and irritation to the eyes and nose.^[1]

Uses

Amyl acetate is a solvent for paints, lacquers, and liquid bandages;^[4] and a flavorant. It also fuels the Hefner lamp and fermentative productions of penicillin.

See also

• Isoamyl acetate, also known as banana oil.
• Esters, organic molecules with the same functional groups

References

1. Web site: CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - n-Amyl acetate . www.cdc.gov . 7 July 2022 . Colorless liquid with a persistent banana-like odor..
2. Book: Stark, Norman . The Formula Book . registration . Sheed and Ward . New York . 1975 . 0-8362-0630-4 . 28.
3. Book: Thickett, Geoffrey . Chemistry 2: HSC Course . John Wiley & Sons . Milton, Queensland, Australia . 2006 . 978-0-7314-0415-5 . 227.
4. Web site: New-Skin® Liquid Bandage—Inactive Ingredients. new-skin. July 4, 2017. June 22, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170622173819/http://www.newskinproducts.com/liquid-bandages/liquid-bandage/. dead.