What is Banana Oil?

The idea of banana oil seems confusing as it’s difficult to imagine getting oil from a banana since commercial varieties have no seeds. Indeed, bananas produce no commercial oil, and so-called banana oil is a synthetic liquid such as isoamyl acetate or amyl acetate that are used as flavorings. Occurring as a colorless, clear liquid, they have the scent of bananas and pears or bananas and apples. Isoamyl acetate is the most common artificial banana flavoring.

Banana Oil as Isoamyl Acetate

The name banana oil is not consistently used but, in regards to isoamyl acetate, it usually refers to isoamyl acetate in a solution of ethanol.

banana testing laboratory — Isoamyl acetate or Amyl acetate, aka Banana Oil, are used as banana flavoring and for various other uses in industry.

The primary isomer of amyl acetate, isoamyl acetate naturally occurs in the banana plant or fruit, this ‘banana oil’ is not derived from bananas but is produced synthetically from isoamyl acetate and acetic acid. In addition to being used as a banana flavoring agent, it is used as a solvent for some varnishes and lacquers.

Isoamyl acetate is also used as a solvent and carrier for nitrocellulose and other materials. In the past, it was used by the aircraft industry for stiffening and wind-proofing fabric used in wings and other flying surfaces. When banana oil was used this way, it was commonly known as ‘aircraft dope.’

Isoamyl acetate, as stated, has a pleasant banana-like odor and also has low toxicity. Because of this, it is ideal to use as a released gas for testing respirators or gas masks. ¹,²

Amyl Acetate

Amyl acetate is sold under the brand names banana oil or pear oil. While amyl acetate also has a pleasant banana-like odor, exposure to it is much more toxic, causing dermatitis, central nervous system depression, narcosis, and irritation to the eyes and nose.

It is also used as a banana flavoring and as well as a paint and lacquer solvent. As well, it is used as an inactive ingredient in liquid bandage products, in the production of penicillin, and as a solvent in nail polishes, leather polishes, bronzing liquids, and metallic paints. It has also been used in dyeing and finishing textiles and in linoleum oil cloth. ³,⁴