Isoamyl alcohol

The monohydric alcohol limit, which is one of the eight isomers of pentanol, is isoamyl alcohol (chemical formula - C5H11OH, rational - (CH3) 2CHCH2CH2OH, and empirical - C5H12O). The systematic name of this substance is 3-methylbutanol-1. Other common names are isopentanol (Isopentanol) and isobutyl carbinol (Isobutylcarbinol).

The molar mass of alcohol is 88.148 g / mol. In appearance it is an unpleasantly smelling, clear, colorless liquid that is lighter than water. The density of the pure substance at 20 ° C is 0.8104 g / cm3. Isopentanol melts at a temperature of minus 117.2 ° C, boils at plus 131.1 ° C. Izoamilovy alcohol is included in the number of three isomers of amyl alcohol, which are slightly better than others dissolved in water. Its solubility in water reaches 28 g / l. Miscible with acetone, diethyl ether, ethanol, benzene, chloroform, acetic acid (ice). The dynamic viscosity of alcohol is 3,692 mPa.s. Isopentanol is a fire hazardous substance (this is a flammable liquid). Its explosive range is 1.2-9%, the flash point is plus 42 ° C, autoignition - plus 350 ° C.

Isopentanol is the main component of fusel oil (it is formed in the manufacture of ethanol), from which it is obtained. The technology of alcohol production consists in heating the raw material to remove light fractions (an azeotropic ethanol-water mixture is distilled off first, then, with increasing temperature, the butanol-water azeotrope distils). Further heating in the evaporator allows isolating the isoamyl alcohol, and the remaining heavy residue is sent to the waste. Changing the parameters of the technological process (temperature and others) regulate the quality of the finished product. As a result, isopentanol is obtained with a mass fraction of 3-methylbutanol-1 up to 99.0% (according to GOST 5830-79) or up to 80% (according to TU 2421-004-20992222-98).

In the presence of a catalyst, which uses sulfuric acid, isoamyl alcohol reacts with glacial acetic acid. The equation can be written in the following form: C5H11OH + CH3COOH → C7H14O2 + H2O. This reaction has two names: the Fischer reaction or the esterification reaction. As a result, an ester (isoamyl acetate) and water are obtained. As a catalyst, acidic ion-exchange resins can be used instead of sulfuric acid. Isoamyl acetate is an artificial flavor that is used to impart a banana flavor to foods. In addition, it serves as a solvent for some nitrocellulose varnishes, used (pheromone) to attract large groups of bees to a small area. Due to the intense pleasant smell and low toxicity, isoamyl acetate is used to test the effectiveness of respirators or gas masks.

Izoamilovy alcohol is a drug, it is toxic. Its fumes irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, causing suffocation and coughing. It is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Can cause depression of the central nervous system. The central nervous system, lungs, eyes, and skin are more affected by alcohol poisoning. Prolonged or repeated contact with it leads to dryness and degreasing of the skin. As a result of ingestion, irritation of the gastrointestinal tract occurs with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Its entry into the lungs causes chemical pneumonitis with a fatal outcome. The narcotic effect proceeds with symptoms: headache, weakness, dizziness, loss of consciousness. As a result, the victim may fall into a coma.

If isoamyl alcohol has got into the eyes, then they are washed for a long time (at least 15 minutes) with a lot of water and seek medical help. If it gets on the skin, these areas are also washed with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. If irritation increases and does not pass, then consult a doctor. Clothing must be washed before reuse. If swallowed, immediately receive medical attention. Vomiting is not caused unless directed to do so by a physician. A person who has lost consciousness is never given anything in the mouth. If vomiting occurs naturally, then the victim is tipped forward. When poisoning with isoamyl alcohol vapor, the patient is taken to fresh air. If he does not breathe, then do artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, oxygen is given. Medical care is compulsory! The doctor prescribes symptomatic and supportive treatment.