Isoamyl acetate

Prepared at the 49th JECFA (1997)
superseding specifications prepared at the 46th JECFA (1996),
published in FNP 52 Addendum 4 (1996)

SYNONYMS

Amyl acetate, isoamyl ethanoate

DEFINITION

A mixture of acetic acid esters of pentanols

Chemical name

3-Methylbutyl ethanoate (principal component)

C.A.S. number

123-92-2

Chemical formula

C₇H₁₄O₂

Structural formula

Molecular weight

130.19

Assay

Not less than 95.0% C₇H₁₄O₂

DESCRIPTION

Colourless, clear liquid, having a characteristic fruit-like odour

FUNCTIONAL USES

Carrier solvent, flavouring agent (see "flavouring agents" monograph)

CHARACTERISTICS

IDENTIFICATION

Solubility

Slightly soluble in water, insoluble in glycerol, practically insoluble in propylene glycol, soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, most fixed oils and mineral oils

Refractive index

: 1.400-1.404

Specific gravity

: 0.868-0.878

PURITY

Non volatile residue

Not more than 7 mg/100 ml

Distillation range

Not less than 99% v/v distils between 135 and 143°

Heavy metals

Not more than 10 mg/kg Test 2 g of the sample as directed in the Limit Test (Method II)

Acid value

Not more than 1

METHOD OF ASSAY

Weigh accurately about 0.8 g of the sample and proceed as directed under the method for Ester Determination in the General Methods, using 65.10 as the equivalence factor (e) in the calculation.

SYNONYMS	Amyl acetate, isoamyl ethanoate
DEFINITION	A mixture of acetic acid esters of pentanols
Chemical name	3-Methylbutyl ethanoate (principal component)
C.A.S. number	123-92-2
Chemical formula	C₇H₁₄O₂
Structural formula
Molecular weight	130.19
Assay	Not less than 95.0% C₇H₁₄O₂
DESCRIPTION	Colourless, clear liquid, having a characteristic fruit-like odour
FUNCTIONAL USES	Carrier solvent, flavouring agent (see "flavouring agents" monograph)
CHARACTERISTICS
IDENTIFICATION
Solubility	Slightly soluble in water, insoluble in glycerol, practically insoluble in propylene glycol, soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, most fixed oils and mineral oils
Refractive index	: 1.400-1.404
Specific gravity	: 0.868-0.878
PURITY
Non volatile residue	Not more than 7 mg/100 ml
Distillation range	Not less than 99% v/v distils between 135 and 143°
Heavy metals	Not more than 10 mg/kg Test 2 g of the sample as directed in the Limit Test (Method II)
Acid value	Not more than 1
METHOD OF ASSAY	Weigh accurately about 0.8 g of the sample and proceed as directed under the method for Ester Determination in the General Methods, using 65.10 as the equivalence factor (e) in the calculation.