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

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

In organic chemistry he published papers on the decomposition of ammonium oxalate, with formation of oxamic acid, on amyl alcohol, on the cyanides, and on the difference in constitution between nitric and sulphuric ether.

From Project Gutenberg

The following are among the most important bodies of this class:— Amyl salicylate, the ester prepared from amyl alcohol and salicylic acid, sometimes known as "Orchidée" or "Trèfle".

From Project Gutenberg