MOLECULE

1-Butanol-3-methyl acetate

1-Butanol-3-methyl acetate, isoamyl acetate or isopentyl acetate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as carboxylic acid esters. These are carboxylic acid derivatives in which the carbon atom from the carbonyl group is attached to an alkyl or an aryl moiety through an oxygen atom (forming an ester group). Isoamyl acetate is the ester formed from isoamyl alcohol and acetic acid. It is a colorless liquid that is only slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in most organic solvents. Isoamyl acetate has a strong odor (similar to Juicy Fruit or a pear drop) which is also described as similar to both banana and pear. Banana oil is a term that is applied either to pure isoamyl acetate or to flavorings that are mixtures of isoamyl acetate, amyl acetate, nitrocellulose and other flavors. Pear oil commonly refers to a solution of isoamyl acetate in ethanol that is used as an artificial flavor. Isoamyl acetate is used in banana flavouring. Isoamyl acetate is found naturally in the banana plant. Isoamyl acetate has also been found in Cannabis sativa (PMID: 6991645, 26657499). In addition to its role as a flavoring or aroma agent in foods and perfumes, isoamyl acetate is released by a honey bee's sting where it serves as a pheromone to attract other bees and provoke them to sting ( PMID: 13870346).