banana oil, amyl acetate, amyl alcohol definition

Amyl acetate is a lacquer solvent that exudes a potent scent smelling of bananas - and hence is often referred to as babana oil.  A lacquer diluent called amyl alcohol, exudes a smell similar to amyl acetate but it is not as strong.  Amyl acetate can cause health problems; it can for example, irritate the nose, throat and eyes.