What Is Banana Oil?

Part of: Fact of the Day

Banana oil is the common name of the chemical compound properly known as amyl acetate, or C7H14O2. It is a colorless liquid ester derived from amyl alcohol, and although its scent strongly resembles that of bananas (hence the name), it is not found naturally in the fruit of the banana tree.

It’s used in various products, from perfume (for its odor) to chewing gum (for its flavor) to nail polish remover (for its solvent capability). Banana oil is also used in the preparation of penicillin, and is even a popular substance to test the fit of respirators, since its strong but pleasant odor will instantly be sensed if a leak is present in the seal.

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Article comments

  • 1 - kyra morgan

    Aug 03, 2008 at 9:15 pm

    this site is that most gayest in the world because it nhas no info on what the dangers are.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • 2 - Tony

    Oct 14, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    Gayest site? Strange expression. Banana oil has a wide variety of organic uses. Thank You for the information. And of course the use of common sense helps when using even a toothbrush. Don't swallow the tooth paste!

  • 3 - biggieCox

    May 01, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    ANAL!!!!!

  • 4 - thica

    Oct 24, 2011 at 7:54 am

    Can it be use as a treatment to the nail bed it self to help with the cracks and growth of the nails?

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