Page 137 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

AMYL ACETATE

laboratory. Acetic acid (HC 2 H 3 O 2 ) is added to amyl alcohol
Amyl acetate. Red atoms are
(C 5 H 11 OH) with a small amount of concentrated sulfuric acid
oxygen; black atoms are carbon;
and white atoms are hydrogen. (H 2 SO 4 ) as a catalyst. The specific amyl acetate produced
Gray stick indicates a double depends on the specific amyl alcohol used in the reaction.
bond. PUB L I S H E RS RE SO URCE
The product is separated from the reaction mixture by boil-
GRO U P
ing the liquid mixture.

COMMON USES AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Amyl acetate is used as a flavoring agent in the United
States and several other countries. It is often blended with
other esters to produce flavors that are more fruity and
rounded. The compound is also used to flavor products such
as chewing gum.
Some applications of amyl acetate depend on its distinc-
tive banana-like odor. The compound may be used, for example,
to cover up the unpleasant odors present in certain products,

86 CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS