| Property | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 628-63-7 |
| Molecular formula | C₇H₁₄O₂ |
| Molecular weight | 130.18 g/mol |
| Appearance | Transparent colorless liquid |
| Odor | Banana or pear |
| Melting point | –70.8 °C |
| Boiling point | 149 °C |
| Flash point | 25 °C |
| Density (20°C) | 0.876 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility (20°C) | 10 g/L (slight) |
| Explosive limits | 1.1–7.5% (by volume) |
| TLV (OSHA/ACGIH) | 100 ppm |
| UN number / Class | UN 1104, Class 3 |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sources of ignition |
1. Properties:
Appearance and physical form: Pentyl acetate (n-amyl acetate) is a transparent colorless liquid in pure form; commercial grades may have a yellowish tint. It has a characteristic pleasant banana or pear odor. Available in various grades (analytical standard, GC purity ≥99.5%, industrial).
Solubility: Pentyl acetate is slightly soluble in water (10 g/L at 20°C) and is miscible with most organic solvents, including ethanol, diethyl ether, benzene, chloroform, and carbon disulfide.
Chemical properties: Pentyl acetate is an ester formed by the condensation of acetic acid with 1-pentanol (amyl alcohol). It is a flammable liquid with a flash point of 25°C (closed cup) and a wide explosive range in air (1.1–7.5% by volume). Has a boiling point of 149°C and vapor density 4.5 (heavier than air).
2. Applications:
Paints, coatings and printing inks: Widely used as a solvent for varnishes, paints, nitrocellulose and resins. Included in nail polish compositions and printing inks.
Flavorings and fragrances: Used as a flavoring agent in food products (banana and pear notes) and as a fragrance in cosmetics and perfumery.
Pharmaceutical industry: Used as an extraction solvent for penicillin.
Industrial and specialty applications: Used in the production of photographic film, as a solvent for phosphors in fluorescent lamps, in leather polish compositions, in textile finishing and wood gluing, as well as a warning odorant in commercial products.
3. Production method:
Industrial process: Pentyl acetate is produced by esterification of amyl alcohol (1-pentanol) with acetic acid in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst, followed by rectification. The product is purified to a purity of ≥98.5–99.5%.
4. Safety information:
Hazard classification: Pentyl acetate is classified as a flammable liquid with hazard statements: R10 (Flammable), R66 (Repeated exposure may cause dryness or cracking of the skin). Signal word: Warning. UN number: 1104 (Class 3, Packing Group III). NFPA 704: Health Hazard 1, Flammability 3, Instability 0.
Health hazards: Vapors may cause respiratory irritation, headache, drowsiness and dizziness. Causes skin and eye irritation.
First aid measures: If in eyes – rinse with water for 15 minutes. For skin contact – wash with soap and water. If inhaled – fresh air. If swallowed – DO NOT induce vomiting, give water or milk, consult a doctor.
Fire and explosion hazards: Flammable liquid (flash point 25°C). Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air (1.1–7.5% by volume). In case of fire use alcohol-resistant foam, powder or CO₂.
Storage and stability: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Shelf life: 24–60 months in sealed original containers.
Regulatory compliance: Pentyl acetate (CAS#628-63-7, EC#211-047-3) is listed in the EINECS, TSCA, and DSL inventories. Regulated by OSHA (PEL: 100 ppm) and ACGIH (TLV: 100 ppm). For complete information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
