from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]