amyl alcohol

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless liquid, C 5 H 12 O, consisting of a mixture of two or more isomeric alcohols, derived from the pentanes, and used as a solvent and intermediate for organic synthesis: the main component of fusel oil.

amyl alcohol

noun

1. a colourless flammable liquid existing in eight isomeric forms that is used as a solvent and in the manufacture of organic compounds and pharmaceuticals. Formula: C 5 H 11 OH

amyl alcohol

/ ăm′əl,ā′məl /

1. Any of various colorless oils derived from pentane, one of which is the main constituent of fusel oil. Chemical formula: C 5 H 12 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of amyl alcohol¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Caffein aids the action of nitrates, acetanilid, ethyl alcohol and amyl alcohol, and increases the toxicity of barium chloride.

From Project Gutenberg

Ordinary fusel oil yields also an isomeric amyl alcohol (active amyl alcohol) boiling at about 128.

From Project Gutenberg

Fusel oil and its chief constituent, amyl alcohol, are direct nerve poisons.

From Project Gutenberg

These colloids appear to be separated by amyl alcohol in virtue of their greater solubility in that menstruum.

From Project Gutenberg

The pear flavor, amyl acetate, is made from acetic acid and amyl alcohol—though amyl alcohol (fusel oil) has a detestable smell.

From Project Gutenberg