Банан

Isoamyl acetate, also known as isopentyl acetate, is an ester formed from isoamyl alcohol and acetic acid, with the molecular formula C₇H₁₄O₂. It is a colorless liquid that is only slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in most organic solvents. Pure isoamyl acetate, or mixtures of isoamyl acetate, amyl acetate, and other flavors in ethanol, may be referred to as banana oil or pear oil.

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Occurrence

Isoamyl acetate occurs naturally in many plants, including apple, banana, coffee, grape, guava, lychee, papaya, peach, pomegranate, and tomato. It is also released by fermentation processes, including those used for making beer, sake, cognac, and whisky. Ripe banana volatiles contain isoamyl acetate together with significant amounts of isoamyl alcohol. In some fruits, such as apple, pear and banana, esters are the major components of the characteristic aroma.

Uses

Isoamyl acetate gives a banana or pear flavor to foods such as circus peanuts and pear drops. Banana oil and pear oil commonly refer to a solution of isoamyl acetate in ethanol that is used as an artificial flavor. Isoamyl acetate is also used as a solvent for some varnishes, oil paints, and nitrocellulose lacquers. As a solvent and carrier for nitrocellulose, it was extensively used in the aircraft industry for stiffening and wind-proofing fabric flying surfaces, where it and its derivatives were generally known as aircraft dope. Because of its intense, pleasant odor and its low toxicity, it is used to test the effectiveness of respirators or gas masks.

History

Isoamyl acetate was first commercialized in pear drops introduced at the 1851 Crystal Palace exhibition in London, which were marketed as tasting like Jargonelle pears. By the 1860s, it had been introduced in the United States as banana flavoring, since Jargonelle pears were uncommon there. This occurred approximately a decade before real bananas became commercially available in the country in 1876.