Isoamyl acetate, also known as isoamyl acetate, is an organic compound, an ester formed from isoamyl alcohol and acetic acid, with a molecular formula of C7H14O2. It is a colorless liquid, only slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in most organic solvents. Isoamyl acetate has a strong odor described as similar to bananas and pears. [3] Pure isoamyl acetate, or a mixture of isoamyl acetate, amyl acetate, and other fragrances may be referred to as banana oil.

Isoamyl acetate is prepared by the acid-catalyzed reaction (Fischer esterification) between isoamyl alcohol and glacial acetic acid, as shown in the reaction equation below. Typically, sulfuric acid is used as a catalyst. Alternatively, p-toluenesulfonic acid or acidic ion exchange resins can be used as catalysts.

Isoamyl acetate is used to impart a banana or pear flavor to foods. [5] Banana oil generally refers to a solution of isoamyl acetate in ethanol and is used as an artificial flavor.

It is also used as a solvent for some varnishes and lacquers. As a solvent and carrier for materials such as nitrocellulose, it is widely used in the aircraft industry to reinforce and windproof fabric flight surfaces, and it and its derivatives are often referred to as "aircraft coatings". Most airplane wings are now made of metal, and this use is mostly limited to historically accurate replicas and scale models.

Due to its strong, pleasant odor and low toxicity, isoamyl acetate is used to test the effectiveness of respirators or gas masks.

Isoamyl acetate occurs naturally in banana plants [7] and can also be produced synthetically [8].