Isoamyl alcohol

CAS: 123-51-3

Overview

Isoamyl alcohol (CAS 123-51-3 ), also known as isopentyl alcohol, is a short-chain primary alcohol used across flavor, fragrance, and chemical synthesis applications. With FEMA 2057 designation, it is a recognized flavoring ingredient.

It serves as a key intermediate in producing ester compounds with characteristic fruity profiles. In food and beverage flavoring, it is the precursor to isoamyl acetate, the compound responsible for banana and pear notes.

These notes are essential in confectionery, beverages, and artificial flavor systems. Personal care formulators use it as a solvent and fixative in fragrance compositions, where it supports scent diffusion and stability.

In plastics and polymer manufacturing, it functions as a reactive intermediate and process solvent in resin curing and cross-linking operations. It also serves as a chemical building block in pharmaceutical synthesis.

The material is further utilized as an extraction solvent in laboratory and industrial separation processes. It is supplied as a clear liquid in drum, IBC, and bulk quantities to meet various industrial demands.

Food-grade material meeting FCC specifications is available for flavoring applications, while technical-grade is standard for industrial and polymer uses. Purity levels typically range from 98% to 99%+.

The specific purity depends on the grade and intended application required by the client. This versatile chemical remains a staple for manufacturers seeking reliable performance in both flavor and industrial sectors.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	-117.2 °C
Boiling Point	132.5 °C
Density	0.813 g/cm³ @ Temp: 15 °C
Flash Point	109.4 °F
Appearance	Amyl alcohols (pentanols) have eight isomers. All are flammable, colorless liquids, except the isomer 2,2- dimethyl-1-propanol, which is a crystalline solid.
Color	<20(APHA)
Odor	Mild odor; alcoholic, non-residual.
Form	Liquid
Water Solubility	25 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure	2 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.407
pH	7 (25g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P	1.35 at 20℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS02 GHS05 GHS07 GHS08 Hazard Statements H226 Flammable liquid and vapor H302 Harmful if swallowed H303 May be harmful if swallowed H313 May be harmful in contact with skin H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H332 Harmful if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness H370 Causes damage to organs Precautionary Statements P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P233 Keep container tightly closed. P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment. P242 Use non-sparking tools. P243 Take action to prevent static discharges. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	29335995
UN Number	1105
ADR Class	3
Packing Group	III
Storage Class	3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Plastics & Polymers Personal Care & Cosmetics Food & Nutrition