amyl alcohol

An amyl alcohol is any of 8 alcohols with the formula C₅H₁₁OH. A mixture of amyl alcohols (also called amyl alcohol) can be obtained from fusel alcohol. Amyl alcohol is used as a solvent and in esterfication, for example in the production of amyl acetate. The name amyl alcohol referring to a distinct compound without further specification refers to the normal (straight-chain) form, 1-pentanol.