amyl alcohol

American  

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.

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amyl alcohol British  

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

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amyl alcohol Scientific  

/ 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 .

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Etymology

Origin of amyl alcohol

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

amyl alcohol

The chief constituent of the fusel oil procured in the manufacture of alcohol from potatoes and grain, usually known as fusel oil and potato-spirit, is isoprimary amyl alcohol, or isobutylcarbinol.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various

Halphen's Reagent.—Mix equal volumes of amyl alcohol and carbon disulphid containing about one per cent of sulphur in solution.

From Human Foods and Their Nutritive Value by Harry Snyder

Subsequently Böttger2 proved that potassium iodide is not decomposed by pure amyl alcohol, and that the decomposition is due to the presence of acids contained in fusel oil.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 365, December 30, 1882 by Various

The treatment with amyl alcohol has therefore accomplished the same results as was obtained by distillation, and the action is probably the same, i.e., a partial separation of colloid substance.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 711, August 17, 1889 by Various

It is not reduced by hydriodic acid and phosphorus, but sodium in the presence of amyl alcohol reduces it to tetrahydrodiphenyl C12H14.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5 "Dinard" to "Dodsworth" by Various