Amyl Acetate

Product Overview

Amyl acetate, also known as Pentyl Acetate or Amyl Ethanoate, is a colorless liquid with a characteristic fruity odor. Its chemical formula is C₅H₁₁O₂, and it is widely utilized as a versatile solvent in coatings, inks, and adhesive formulations due to its favorable solvency for a broad range of organic compounds and relatively low toxicity. The product typically exhibits a boiling range of 150–153°C, a flash point of 11°C (PMCC method), and a density of 0.874 g/mL at 25°C, supporting predictable mixing behavior in industrial processes. Certified to ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF monographs where applicable, this material is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis detailing purity (assay) and impurity profiles to support compliant formulation work.

It is commonly used as a solvent for coatings, a flavoring agent in food-related applications, an extraction solvent in pharmaceutical formulations, an intermediate in organic synthesis, and as a mobile phase component in HPLC. The product is stabilized to minimize moisture uptake and peroxide formation during storage, with a shelf life of up to 24 months under proper conditions. The data reflect 20°C ACS references and 25°C USP references as applicable, ensuring traceability to widely accepted industry standards.

Key Properties

• Property Name: Assay wt pct
• Chemical Formula: C₅H₁₁O₂
• Molecular Weight: 100.16 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 150–153°C
• Specific Gravity: 0.871–0.877 (typical 0.874) at 20°C
• Residue After Ignition: Max 0.1%, typical 0.05%
• Chloride (Cl): Max 2 ppm, typical 1 ppm
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): Max 5 ppm, typical 2 ppm
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): Max 5 ppm, typical 1 ppm
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): Max 10 ppm, typical 4 ppm
• Arsenic (As): Max 0.01 ppm, typical 0.005 ppm
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): Max 0.5 ppm, typical 0.1 ppm
• Iron (Fe): Max 0.2 ppm, typical 0.05 ppm
• Copper (Cu): Max 0.2 ppm, typical 0.05 ppm
• Manganese (Mn): Max 0.5 ppm, typical 0.1 ppm
• Nickel (Ni): Max 0.5 ppm, typical 0.1 ppm
• Lead (Pb): Max 0.5 ppm, typical 0.1 ppm
• Zinc (Zn): Max 1 ppm, typical 0.2 ppm
• Aluminum (Al): Max 1 ppm, typical 0.2 ppm
• Chromium (Cr): Max 0.5 ppm, typical 0.1 ppm
• Cobalt (Co): Max 0.5 ppm, typical 0.1 ppm
• Calcium (Ca): Max 2 ppm, typical 0.5 ppm
• Magnesium (Mg): Max 5 ppm, typical 1 ppm
• Potassium (K): Max 5 ppm, typical 1 ppm
• Sodium (Na): Max 5 ppm, typical 1 ppm
• Substances Reducing Permanganate: Passes test
• Sulfurous Acid (H₂SO₃): Max 2 ppm, typical 1 ppm
• Available Chlorine (Cl₂): 0–0.2 wt%, typical 0.05 wt%
• Free Alkali (NaOH): Max 0.1 wt%, typical 0.02 wt%
• Bromate (BrO₃⁻): Max 2 ppm, typical 0.5 ppm
• Chlorate (ClO₃⁻): Max 2 ppm, typical 0.5 ppm
• Water Content: Max 0.5%, typical 0.1%
• Acidity (Meq): Max 0.2, typical 0.05
• Aldehydes: Max 10 ppm, typical 2 ppm

Common Applications

• Application Category: Solvent for Coatings — Used as a primary solvent in paints, varnishes, and ink formulations to balance evaporation rate and solvency for resins and pigments.
• Flavoring Agent: Food and Beverage — Employed to impart fruity aroma in select flavor systems under controlled usage levels and regulatory compliance.
• Extraction Solvent: Pharmaceutical — Serves as a selective solvent for extracting active pharmaceutical ingredients, aiding purification workflows.
• Intermediate in Organic Synthesis: Chemical Manufacturing — Acts as a building block in multi-step synthesis for specialty organics and fragrances.
• HPLC Mobile Phase: Analytical Chemistry — Used as a component of mobile phases to modulate polarity and contribute to separation performance.
• Co-solvent for Adhesives: Industrial — Supports formulation of solvent-borne adhesives where specific evaporation and film-forming characteristics are required.

Safety Precautions

Storage and handling should follow strict controls: store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and open flames, using containers made of HDPE or glass to avoid reactivity. Ensure adequate ventilation in storage areas to prevent vapor buildup, and keep the container closed when not in use. Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and goggles, and follow standard operating procedures to prevent skin, eye, or inhalation exposures during transfer and mixing.

Further safety considerations align with SDS guidance: the product is classified as Flam. Liq. 2, Eye Irrit. 2, and STOT SE 3 with hazard statements including H225, H319, and H336. In case of exposure, eyes should be rinsed cautiously with water for several minutes, skin washed with soap and water, with medical advice sought for persistent irritation. Inhalation requires moving to fresh air and monitoring; ingestion requires thorough rinsing of the mouth and seeking medical attention if unwell. In transport, it is designated UN 1104, Amyl Acetate, Class 3, Packing Group II.

Benefits

✔ High Purity, ACS/USP-NF Compliant – Consistent quality aligned with ACS Reagent Grade and USP-NF expectations, reducing formulation variance.

✔ Strong Solvency with Controlled Impurities – Broad solvency for organic components while meeting stringent impurity profiles (halides, sulfites, metals) per COA and ICP-MS/ IC testing requirements.