Page 178 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

BUTYL ACETATE

Interesting Facts

• Scientists have discovered an animal is under attack.
that the butyl acetates are It alerts other animals in
present in the so-called the neighborhood to the
alarm pheromones attack and ‘‘tells’’ them to
secreted by animals, respond to the attack that
particularly insects. An has been detected.
alarm pheromone is a
chemical secreted when

• sec-butyl acetate: as a thinner for nail enamels and a
solvent for leather finishes;

• tert-butyl acetate: as a gasoline additive.
Relatively little data are available on the health effects
of exposure to the isomers of butyl acetate. The chemical is
known to cause skin rash, respiratory problems, and burning
of the eyes upon contact. And by comparing it with other
similar organic compounds, the assumption is made that
long-term exposure to high concentrations would result in
damage to the nervous system. Since most people do not
encounter butyl acetate in the pure form, these risks are
minimal. Only workers in one of the fields in which the
chemical is used need take special precautions to use care
in working with the amyl acetates.

Words to Know

ISOMER One of two or more forms of SOLVENT A substance that is able to dissolve
a chemical compound with the same one or more other substances
molecular formula, but different structural
formulas and different chemical and
physical properties.

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS 127