| Description | Fusel oil, refined, has a disagreeable odor. An appreciable percentage
of fusel oil in a liquor has an adverse effect, while trace
amounts are necessary for the characteristic flavor. This is produced
as a by-product in the fermentation of starch- or sugarcontaining
materials (potatoes, grapes, beetroots, grain); purified
by rectification. |
| Chemical Properties | Fusel oil, refned, has a disagreeable odor An appreciable percentage of fusel oil in a liquor has an adverse effect, while trace amounts are necessary for the characteristic favor TSCA Defnition 1990: A combination of amyl alcohols, primarily isoamyl alcohol and 2-methyl-1-butanol Other alcohols, acids, esters and aldehydes may also be present. |
| Uses | Flavoring agent, solvent, source of amyl alcohols. |
| Definition | A volatile, oily mixture consisting largely of amyl alcohols. Isoamyl alcohol (isobutyl carbinol) and active amyl alcohol (2-methyl-1butanol) are chief constituents. Ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl, and heptyl alcohols, as well as other alcohols, have been |
| Definition | A mixture of highmolecular-
weight alcohols together with
some esters and fatty acids, formed from
alcoholic fermentation and obtained during
distillation. It is used as a source of
higher alcohols. |
| Definition | A mixture of highmolecularweight alcohols containingalso esters and fatty acids, sometimesformed as a toxic impurity inthe distillation products of alcoholicfermentation. It is used as a source ofhigher alcohols and in making paintsand plastics. |
| Preparation | As a by-product in the fermentation of starch- or sugar-containing materials (potatoes, grapes, beetroots, grain); purifed by rectifcation. |
| Taste threshold values | Taste characteristics at 60 ppm: fruity, alcoholic, sweet, apple with a brown fermented nuance. |
| General Description | A clear colorless liquid with a mild odor. Flash point 123°F. Vapors are heavier than air. |
| Air & Water Reactions | Flammable. Less dense than water and soluble in water. |
| Reactivity Profile | FUSEL OIL has a high degree of FUSEL OIL composition containing various alcohols. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides. |
| Hazard | Moderate fire risk. Toxic by ingestion and inhalation. |
| Health Hazard | Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. |
| Fire Hazard | HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. |
| Safety Profile | May contain
carcinogens. Experimental reproductive
effects. Mutation data reported. Flammable
liquid when exposed to heat or flame; can
react vigorously with oxidizing materials.
When heated to decomposition it emits
acrid smoke and fumes. See also indvidual
components. |
