Page 138 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

AMYL ACETATE

Interesting Facts

Amyl acetate is the primary
component of banana oil and
pear oil.

such as shoe polish. Amyl acetate is also used as a warning
odor in devices through which gases flow, such as respira-
tors. A warning odor is a distinctive smell that allows users
to be aware that a leak exists in a product carrying a gas that
has no odor of its own.
Among the many industrial applications of amyl acetate
are the following:
• As a solvent for paints and lacquers;
• As an ingredient in fingernail polishes;
• In the production of penicillin; and
• In the manufacture of photographic film, printed and
dyed fabrics, and phosphors used in fluorescent lamps.
Amyl acetate is thought to pose a moderate to low health
risk. It may cause respiratory problems if inhaled or damage
to the skin and eyes if spilled on the body. The most serious
safety risk it poses is its flammability. It catches fire easily
and burns rapidly, with a moderate risk of exploding under
certain circumstances.

FOR FUR THER INFO RMAT ION
‘‘Amyl Acetate.’’ CAMEO: Conservation and Art Material Encyclo
pedia Online.
http://www.mfa.org/_cameo/frontend/material_description.
asp?name=amyl+acetate&language;=1 (accessed on September
21, 2005).
‘‘n amyl acetate.’’ CHEMINFO.
http://intox.org/databank/documents/chemical/amylacet/
cie455.htm (accessed on September 20, 2005).
‘‘n amyl acetate.’’ New Jersey Department of Health and Senior
Services.
http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/rtkweb/1321.pdf (accessed
on September 21, 2005).

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS 87