This ester is more commonly known as banana oil. It's formula is CH3COOCH2CH2CH(CH3)2. The molecular weight is 130.19. In the physical state it is clear and colorless with a banana-like pr pear-like odor. It's melting point is -78C and it's boiling point is 142C. Isoamyl acetate is slightly soluble in water but is very soluble in Ethyl butyrate and Isoamyl butyrate. It is used to confer banana flavor in foods. It is also used as a solvent for some varnishes and lacquers. It is also a honey bee pheromone that is used to attract large groups of honey bees to a small area. It was extensively used in the aircraft industry for stiffening and wind-proofing fabric flying surfaces. It is also used to test the effectiveness of respirators or gas masks because of its intense, pleasant odor and low toxcity. Acetates have characteristic fruity odors. They are used as component of perfumes and flavorings. They are used as chemical intermediate to manufacture pharmaceuticals, synthetic flavorings, cleaners, and other organic compounds.
Isoamyl actate:
This is a picture of the structure of Isoamyl acetate:
Production:
Isoamyl acetate is prepared by the acid catalyzed reaction (Fischer esterification) between isoamyl alchol and glacial acetic acid as shown in the reaction equation below. Typically, sulfuric acid is used as the catalyst. Alternately, an acidic ion exchange resin can be used as the catalyst.
References:
http://www.chemicalland21.com/specialtychem/perchem/ISO-AMYL%20ACETATE.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isoamyl_acetate
No comments:
Post a Comment