Amyl alcohol
Pentanol ( amyl alcohols also ) are alcohols with a hydroxyl group ( -OH) and the general empirical formula C5H12O. There are eight constitutional isomers, three of which are chiral. Pentanols have characteristic odors and are up to the fixed neo -pentanol (2,2- dimethyl-1- propanol), colorless liquid having a density of 0.81 g · cm -3. They are flammable and harmful by inhalation. Some pentanol as 1- pentanol, 3-methyl -butan- 1-ol and 2-methyl -butan- 1-ol can be found in fusel oils and have adverse effects on humans.
Pentanols are used as the solvent and used for the synthesis of Essigsäureamylestern ( Pentylacetaten ) which are used as engineering plastics, and as a solvent for various flavorings and flavoring agents. For example, isoamyl alcohol is used as a solvent for fats, oils and resins.
2-methyl butan-2 -ol was formerly used amyl hydrate under its old name as a sleep aid, but long since no longer used as such.
The oxidation of the primary pentanols (n- pentanol, isopentanol, 2-methyl -1-butanol and neopentyl alcohol ) results in the pentanals, and the pentanoic acids. The oxidation of secondary pentanols (2- pentanol, 3 -pentanol and 3-methyl -2-butanol ) leads to the pentanones. The oxidation of tert- pentanol draws a destruction of the carbon skeleton by itself.