Isoamyl formate

Isoamyl formate, also known as isopentyl formate, is an ester formed from isoamyl alcohol and formic acid, with the formula C6H12O2. It is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor of plum or blackcurrant.

Natural occurrence
Isoamyl formate is found in nature in the plant Plectranthus glabratus. It occurs in the following foods and drinks: avocado, beer, cheese, grape brandy, honey, pineapple, Mangifera (a plant genus including mangos), plum, quince, cider, rum, sea buckthorn, strawberry, tea, tequila, vinegar, and wine.

Preparation
Isoamyl formate may be prepared by the Fischer esterification of isoamyl alcohol and formic acid. Fischer esterifications of formic acid use an excess of formic acid as the solvent, and formic acid is a strong enough acid to self-catalyze the reaction without any other acid catalyst added.

Uses
Isoamyl formate is used as an aroma compound and artificial flavoring, for its odor of plum or blackcurrant.

Safety
Isoamyl formate has not been shown to be mutagenic or genotoxic in tests such as the Ames test.