Isoamyl Acetate

WHAT IS ISOAMYL ACETATE?

Isoamyl Acetate is a speciality solvent that finds extensive use for flavours and fragrances and is used in the production of many synthetic flavours.

Applications

Isoamyl acetate is used for the preparation of many synthetic flavours from apple to piña colada and even coffee. Flavour production is the main area of application for Isoamyl acetate. Over 40 flavours involve the use of Isoamyl acetate. If you are interested in Isoamyl acetate you may also like to take a look at Isoamyl alcohol, as it too plays a big role in the synthetic flavour industry.

It plays an important part in all beers and is part of the overall flavour profile. It is produced by yeast during fermentation for this application and is present at low levels (typical 1.4mg/l).

It is also used as a low toxicity solvent for some varnishes and nitrocellulose lacquers. It was extensively used in the aircraft industry for stiffening fabric flying surfaces as the carrier for the nitrocellulose and retains this application in model aircraft only.

It is a common ‘alarm’ pheromone for honeybees and low concentrations will attract large numbers.

As Isoamyl acetate has a strong, pleasant odour and low toxicity, it can be used to test effectiveness of gas seals such as in respirators.

Isoamyl acetate is also used in cosmetics, primarily in nail varnish application and removal because of its good solvency. It is also used in deodorants and non-powered air fresheners.