amyl alcohol

amyl alcohol
    n 1: a mixture of 2 or more isomeric alcohols; used as a solvent
         and in organic synthesis
    

Alcohol \Al"co*hol\ ([a^]l"k[-o]*h[o^]l), n. [Cf. F. alcool,
   formerly written alcohol, Sp. alcohol alcohol, antimony,
   galena, OSp. alcofol; all fr. Ar. al-kohl a powder of
   antimony or galena, to paint the eyebrows with. The name was
   afterwards applied, on account of the fineness of this
   powder, to highly rectified spirits, a signification unknown
   in Arabia. The Sp. word has both meanings. Cf. {Alquifou}.]
   1. An impalpable powder. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The fluid essence or pure spirit obtained by distillation.
      [Obs.] --Boyle.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Pure spirit of wine; pure or highly rectified spirit
      (called also {ethyl alcohol} or {ethanol}, {CH3.CH2.OH});
      the spirituous or intoxicating element of fermented or
      distilled liquors, or more loosely a liquid containing it
      in considerable quantity. It is extracted by simple
      distillation from various vegetable juices and infusions
      of a saccharine nature, which have undergone vinous
      fermentation.

   Note: [The ferementation is usually carried out by addition
         of brewer's yeast, {Saccharomyces cerevisiae} to an
         aqueous solution containing carbohydrates.]
         [1913 Webster +PJC]

   Note: As used in the U. S. "Pharmacop[oe]ia," alcohol
         contains 91 per cent by weight of ethyl alcohol and 9
         per cent of water; and diluted alcohol (proof spirit)
         contains 45.5 per cent by weight of ethyl alcohol and
         54.5 per cent of water.
         [1913 Webster]

   4. (Organic Chem.) A class of compounds analogous to vinic
      alcohol in constitution. Chemically speaking, they are
      hydroxides of certain organic radicals; as, the radical
      ethyl forms common or {ethyl alcohol} ({C2H5.OH}); methyl
      forms {methyl alcohol} ({CH3.OH}) or {wood alcohol}; amyl
      forms {amyl alcohol} ({C5H11.OH}) or {fusel oil}, etc.
      [1913 Webster]
    

Amyl alcohol \Am"yl al"co*hol\ (Org. Chem.)
   Any of eight isomeric liquid alcohols ({C5H11.OH}),
   transparent, colorless liquids. It is the hydroxide of amyl.
   Also called {amylic alcohol}. The amyl alcohol obtained from
   {fusel oil} is mostly isoamyl alcohol (3-methyl-1-butanol or
   1-hydroxy-3-methylbutane), with some {sec-amyl alcohol}
   (2-methyl-1-butanol or {2-pentanol}), and has a
   characteristic peculiar odor. Other than {n-amyl alcohol}
   (also called {1-pentanol}) the other isomeric pentanols are
   not usually refered to as amyl alcohol. The amyl alcohol
   mixture in fusel oil forms a colorless liquid with a peculiar
   cough-exciting odor and burning taste. It is used as a source
   of amyl compounds, such as amyl acetate, amyl nitrite, etc.
   [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]