Isoamyl acetate, also known as
isopentyl acetate, is an
organic compound that is the
ester formed from
isoamyl alcohol and
acetic acid. It is a colorless liquid that is only slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in most organic solvents. Isoamyl acetate has a strong odor which is also described as similar to both
banana and
pear.
Banana oil is a term that is applied either to pure isoamyl acetate or to flavorings that are mixtures of isoamyl acetate,
amyl acetate, and other flavors.