sec-Amyl acetate

Synonyms

1-Methylbutyl acetate; 2-Acetoxypentane; 2-Amylester kyseliny octove [Czech]; 2-Pentanol, acetate; 2-Pentyl acetate; sec-Amyl acetate; sek.Amylester kyseliny octove [Czech]; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Esters (<C12)

Description

Colorless liquid with a mild odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used as a solvent for ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, printing inks; also used in the production of coatings and cements; [ACGIH]

Comments

Esters may induce narcosis in animals, 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.] The pentyl acetates are sensory irritants in the work environment. At higher levels in animal experiments, they cause narcosis, hepatotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. [ACGIH]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

50 ppm

100 ppm

125 ppm

50 ppm

1000 ppm

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

The chosen IDLH is based on the statement by Browning [1965] that exposure to 4,000 ppm of a mixture of n-amyl acetate and isoamyl acetate produced complete loss of reflexes in rabbits within an hour [Koelsch 1912], and on the statement by Sax [1975] that 5,000 ppm n-amyl acetate produced deep narcosis in cats in 30 minutes.

9.78 mm Hg

0.002 ppm

Odor Threshold High

0.08 ppm

Explanatory Notes

Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; Flash point = 32 deg C; VP = 7 mm Hg @ 20 deg C; [HSDB]

No reports found; [TDR, p. 95]

may ignite at ambient temp

Acute solvent syndrome

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Encephalopathy, chronic solvent
• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Solvents)
• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Working with Glues and Adhesives