General Description
A colorless liquid. Less dense than water. Flash point 135°F. Boiling point 370°F. May emit acrid fumes and irritating smoke when burned. Used to make plastics.
Reactivity Profile
AMYL BUTYRATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides.
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Soluble in water.
Health Hazard
May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
Chemical Properties
Amyl butyrate has a strong, penetrating odor and a sweet taste
Occurrence
Reported found in apple juice
Uses
Amyl Butyrate has been used in such flavors as apricot, pineapple, pear, plum, and sparingly in some perfume compositions.
Definition
ChEBI: The butyrate ester of pentan-1-ol.
Preparation
From n-amyl alcohol and butyric acid in the presence of H2SO4.
Aroma threshold values
Detection: 210 ppb
Taste threshold values
Taste characteristics at 30 ppm: sweet, fruity, banana, pineapple and tropical.
