Isoamyl acetate

Synonyms

Isopentyl acetate; 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 (<C12)

Description

Colorless liquid with a banana-like odor; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Used as an additive to aerosols and cosmetics and to fit-test respirators; [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] The pentyl acetates are sensory irritants in the work environment. At higher levels in animal experiments, they cause narcosis, hepatotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. [ACGIH]

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

50 ppm

100 ppm

100 ppm

50 ppm

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]

5.6 mm Hg

0.0034 ppm

Odor Threshold High

209 ppm

Explanatory Notes

Detection odor threshold from AIHA (mean = 0.22 ppm); Flash point = 77 deg F; VP from 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:

• Solvents, acute toxic effect