What Is Isoamyl Alcohol?
Isoamyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a whiskey-like aroma.
Its chemical formula is C5H12O, its molecular weight is 88.15, and its CAS number is 123-51-3. Isoamyl alcohol is the common name for 3-Methyl-1-butanol, also known as Isopentyl alcohol.
It is an organic compound and one of the isomers of pentanol. It is a colorless liquid that decomposes on heating or combustion. It has a characteristic odor and is found naturally in alcoholic beverages and fruits.
Isoamyl alcohol is a component in banana oil production, a naturally occurring ester, and is also produced industrially as a flavoring agent. It is a common fusel alcohol produced as a major byproduct of ethanol fermentation.
Uses of Isoamyl Alcohol
In molecular biology, isoamyl alcohol is used as a reagent in the extraction of nucleic acids. Isoamyl alcohol is used as a flavoring agent in processed foods because of its characteristic whiskey-like aroma.
Isoamyl alcohol derivatives are also used as flavoring agents, including isoamyl acetate, which has a banana-like fruity odor, and isoamyl butyrate, which has a sweet fruity odor.
Isoamyl alcohol’s derivative, isoamyl nitrite, is useful as a medicine. It is used to treat angina pectoris and other heart problems and as an antidote for cyanide.
Properties of Isoamyl Alcohol
Isoamyl alcohol has a melting point of -117°C, a boiling point of 131°C, and a density of 0.82 g/cm3. It is insoluble in water and readily dissolves in organic solvents.
When the vapor is passed through a red-hot tube, it decomposes into acetylene, ethylene, propylene, and other compounds. It is also oxidized by chromic acid to isovaleraldehyde and forms adduct crystals against calcium chloride and tin (IV) chloride.
Other Information on Isoamyl Alcohol
1. Production Process of Isoamyl Alcohol
Isoamyl alcohol can be synthesized by the condensation of isobutene and formaldehyde. Isoamyl alcohol is obtained by hydrogenation after the formation of prenol.
CH3C(CH3) = CH2 + HCHO → CH3C(CH3) = CHCH2OH
CH3C(CH3) = CHCH2OH + H2 → CH3CH(CH3)CH2CH2OH
Isoamyl alcohol can be separated from fusel oil by shaking with strong salt water and separating the oily layer from the salt water layer. After distillation of the oily layer and collection of the fraction boiling between 128-140°C, the product can be further purified by the following procedure: shaking the product with hot lime water, separating the oily layer, drying the product with calcium chloride, and distilling to collect the fraction boiling between 132-135°C.
2. Regulatory Information
Isoamyl alcohol is classified under the Fire Service Act as a hazardous material, Class 4, Petroleums No. 2, non-water soluble, and requires caution when used. Under the Industrial Safety and Health Law, it is classified as a Notifiable Substance (Cabinet Order No. 48), a Labeled Substance (Cabinet Order No. 48), a Hazardous and Inflammable Substance, a Class 2 Organic Solvent, etc. under the Ordinance on Prevention of Organic Solvent Poisoning, a Working Environment Measurement Standard, and a Working Environment Evaluation Standard.
3. Handling and Storage Precautions
Handling and storage precautions are as follows
- Keep the container tightly closed and store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
- Keep away from heat, sparks, flames, and other ignition sources.
- Take precautions when heating the product due to the risk of fire and explosion.
- Avoid contact with oxidizing agents, reducing agents, alkali metals, and alkaline earth metals.
- Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
- Burning may emit toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
- Wear protective gloves, protective glasses, protective clothing, and protective masks during use.
- After use, remove gloves appropriately to avoid skin contact with the product.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.