Amyl alcohol

Amyl alcohol . It is a chemical compound that contains hydrogen and carbon molecules , known as pentanol. It can be found in eight different forms. Its chemical formula C ₅ H ₁₁ OH and molar mass 88.15 g / mol. It is obtained by the fermentation of starch of potato or certain cereals , by synthesis and is present in some wines .

Summary

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• 1 Physical Properties
  • 1 Isomers of amyl alcohol
• 2 Origin and synonyms
• 3 Obtaining
• 4 Applications
• 5 Chemical Properties
  • 1 Dangerousness of Amyl Alcohol (pentanol)
  • 2 Recommendations and first aid
• 6 Sources

Physical Properties

Pentanols or amyl alcohols are colorless organic compounds with the formula C ₅ H ₁₁ OH, these compounds are known to have eight different molecular structures. It has a density of 0.8247 g / cm3 (at 0 ° C), a melting point of -11.9 ºC and has a boiling point of 131.6 ° C, it is poorly soluble in water , but it is more soluble in solvents organic. It has a strong characteristic odor and a very burning taste on the palate.

In its pure form, it is not toxic, although impure products are. In its transformation into steam, it decomposes with the production of acetylene , ethylene , propylene and other compounds. It is oxidized by chromic acid and becomes isovaleraldehyde, and in its crystalline form are added compounds such as calcium chloride and tin chloride (IV) . The flash point is 19 ºC, so a flammable [mixture] can form in contact with air .

It is known for having eight isomers, which is why in technical degrees small amounts of these can be found, analytical grade amyl alcohol for its part consists of 70-83% by weight of 3-methyl-1-butanol and up to a 30% by weight of 2-methyl-1-butanol.

Amyl alcohol isomers

Three of these alcohols, the physically active amyl alcohol, carbinol methyl (n) propyl and carbinol methyl isopropyl, are optically active as they contain asymmetric carbon atoms. The most important is isobutyl carbinol, being the main complement in the fermentation of amyl alcohol, and consequently a component of fusel oil . The other amyl alcohols can be obtained synthetically.

Origin and synonyms

Amyl Alcohol – A colorless, oily liquid, only slightly soluble in water, but which can be mixed with ethyl alcohol, chloroform, or ether. Mosby Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Ediciones Hancourt, SA 1999.

Alcohol – (From ar. To kuhl, antimony.) Organic compound formed by carbon, hydrogen and oxygen that contains one or more hydroxyl groups (OH) in its molecule, a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong odor.

amyl – Applies to alcohol containing five carbon atoms. masculine noun 2 Colloquial enology Brandy or low quality wine. * * * amyl, a (from Lat. “amўlum”, starch) adj. and n.

It is also known as:

• 2-Methyl-2-butanol
• Dimethyl ethyl carbinol
• Pentyl alcohol
• Pentanol.

Obtaining

It is obtained by fractional distillation of the mixture of alcohols resulting from the chlorination and alkaline hydrolysis of the pentanes, as follows:

After having separated the weak alcohol that results in the first distillation of the vices from the fermented potatoes, continue heating, and raising the temperature will distill and condense a cloudy and whitish liquid that contains a considerable amount of amyl alcohol in suspension.

Leaving the liquid at rest, two layers are formed, the one corresponding to amyl alcohol having an oily appearance. This layer is separated and carefully distilled, taking care not to collect more than the products whose boiling point strictly corresponds to the temperature of 132.7 °, in this way the fairly pure amyl alcohol will be separated.

The other amyl alcohols can be obtained synthetically. Of these, tertiary butyl carbinol is the most difficult to obtain, its synthesis was first reported in [1891] by L. Tissier (Comptes Rendus, 1891, 112, p. 1065) with the reduction of a mixture of acetic acid trimellitic and trimethylacetic chlorate with an amalgam of sodium . It is used as a solvent for surface and lacquer baths , an intermediate in the production of amyl esters , in the manufacture of chemical substances for pharmaceutical and photographic use, it is also used in printing inks and wool dyes. Analytical grade amyl alcohol is produced solely to determine the fat content in milk and its derivatives by the Gerber method.

Applications

Amyl alcohol is used industrially to obtain iodide and amyl chloride which are used for the preparation of some coloring matters ( cyanine and quinoline ), for the extraction of paraffin ; for obtaining amyl acetate and valerate which, dissolved in alcohol, form the essences of pear and apple. Amyl alcohol is also used very frequently in chemical laboratories as a solvent and for many analysis operations. Amyl alcohol accompanies ordinary alcohol in most of the fermentations in which it originates. It is found in the spirits and alcohols of potatoes, pomace, rye, barley, beet, etc., to which circumstance it owes mainly its interest in the harmful properties that it communicates to said liquids when it is found in great proportion.

Chemical properties

Three of these alcohols; the physically active amyl alcohol, methyl carbinol (n) propyl and isopropyl methyl carbinol, are optically active because they contain atoms of carbon asymmetric. The most important is isobutyl carbinol, being the main complement in the fermentation of amyl alcohol, and consequently a component of fusel oil.

Dangerousness of Amyl Alcohol (pentanol)

• By absorption of large amounts it causes damage to the central nervous system , nausea, headaches, vertigo and ataxia (disorders of motor coordination).
• Inhalation causes irritation of the respiratory tract, and in extreme cases reaches a state of unconsciousness.
• Cutaneous absorption causes irritation.
• In contact with the eyes can Eyes causes vision disorders.

Recommendations and first aid

1) Inhalation : breathe fresh air, rest, if necessary artificial respiration and immediate medical attention.

2) Ingestion : Induce vomiting and call a doctor immediately.

3) [[ Skin contact : remove contaminated clothing and wash with plenty of water.]]

4) [[ Eye contact : wash carefully (if you have contact lenses, remove them), do not put any substance without indication of the doctor, ask for medical assistance]].