Isoamyl formate

Isoamyl formate, also known as isopentyl formate, is an ester formed from isoamyl alcohol and formic acid, with the formula. It is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor of plum or blackcurrant.

Natural occurrence

Isoamyl formate is found in nature in the plant Plectranthus glabratus. It occurs in the following foods and drinks: avocado, beer, cheese, grape brandy, honey, pineapple, Mangifera, plum, quince, cider, rum, sea buckthorn, strawberry, tea, tequila, vinegar, and wine.

Preparation

Isoamyl formate may be prepared by the Fischer esterification of isoamyl alcohol and formic acid. Fischer esterifications of formic acid use an excess of formic acid as the solvent, and formic acid is a strong enough acid to self-catalyze the reaction without any other acid catalyst added.

Uses

Isoamyl formate is used as an aroma compound and artificial flavoring, for its odor of plum or blackcurrant.

Safety

Isoamyl formate has not been shown to be mutagenic or genotoxic in tests such as the Ames test.