Agent Name |
Isoamyl acetate |
Alternative Name |
3-Methylbutyl acetate, Isopentyl acetate |
CAS Number |
123-92-2 |
Formula |
C7-H14-O2 |
Major Category |
Solvents |
Synonyms |
1-Butanol, 3-methyl-, acetate; 2-Methylbutyl ethanoate; 3-Methyl-1-butanol acetate; 3-Methyl-1-butyl acetate; 3-Methylbutyl acetate; 3-Methylbutyl ethanoate; Acetic acid, 3-methylbutyl ester; Acetic acid, isopentyl ester; Amyl acetate, common; Amylacetic ester; Banana oil; I-Amyl acetate; Isoamyl acetate; Isoamyl acetate (natural); Isoamyl ethanoate; Isoamylester kyseliny octove [Czech]; Isopentyl acetate; Isopentyl alcohol, acetate; Isopentyl ethanoate; Pear oil; beta-Methylbutyl acetate; [ChemIDplus] UN1993 |
Category |
Esters |
Description |
Colorless liquid with a banana-like odor; [NIOSH] |
Sources/Uses |
Used as a solvent and flavoring agent; [ACGIH] |
Comments |
Esters may induce narcosis in animal experiments, but workers' exposures are limited by irritating effects. See appendix in: [Dick RB, et al. Chemicals in the workplace: incorporating human neurobehavioral testing into the regulatory process. Am J Ind Med. 1998 May;33(5):439-53.] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; [ICSC] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
TLV (ACGIH) |
50 ppm |
STEL (ACGIH) |
100 ppm |
PEL (OSHA) |
100 ppm |
MAK |
50 ppm |
IDLH (NIOSH) |
1000 ppm |
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
" Isoamyl acetate is considered more irritating than butyl acetate. Exposure to 1,000 ppm for 30 minutes resulted in irritation, dyspnea, fatigue, and increased pulse [Amor 1950]. It is considered dangerous to life after 5 hours of exposure to 10,000 ppm [Browning 1965]." [NIOSH] |
Vapor Pressure |
5.6 mm Hg |
Odor Threshold Low |
0.0034 ppm |
Odor Threshold High |
209 ppm |
Explanatory Notes |
Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.22 ppm); Flash point = 77 deg F; |
Half Life |
No reports found; [TDR, p. 95] |
Flammability (NFPA) |
3: may ignite at ambient temperature |
Adverse Effects |
Neurotoxin |
CNS Solvent Syndrome |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: ISOAMYL ACETATE
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