Overview

Amyl acetate (A-mil AS-uh-tate) is a colorless liquid with a distinctive banana-like flavor and odor. Three major isomers of amyl acetate exist: normal (n-amyl), secondary (secamyl), and isoamyl (3-methyl-1-butyl) acetate. Isomers are two or more forms of a chemical compound with the same molecular formula, but different structural formulas and different chemical and physical properties. As an example, the boiling points of the three isomers of amyl acetate are 149.2°C (300.6°F), 142.0°C (287.6°F), and 140.0°C (284.0°F), respectively. Although the amyl acetates are probably best known as flavoring agents because of their distinctive banana-like flavor, they all have a number of interesting industrial applications also.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Pentyl acetate; acetic acid, amyl ester

Formula:

CH₃COOC₅H₁₁

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen

Compound Type:

Ester (organic)

State:

Liquid

Molecular Weight:

130.18 g/mol

Melting Point:

−70.8°C (−95.4°F)

Boiling Point:

149.2°C (300.6°F)

Solubility:

Slightly soluble in...