| Description | 2-Methyl-2-butanol, also known as t-amyl alcohol (TAA) or amylene hydrate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as tertiary alcohols. Tertiary alcohols are compounds in which a hydroxy group, -OH, is attached to a saturated carbon atom R3COH (R not H). 2-Methyl-2-butanol is a pungent tasting compound. 2-methyl-2-butanol has been detected, but not quantified, in several different foods, such as red bell peppers, pepper (c. annuum), fruits, yellow bell peppers, and orange bell peppers. This could make 2-methyl-2-butanol a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. In 1930's TAA was mainly used as a solvent for tribromoethanol (TBE), forming Avertin at a 0.5:1 volume ratio of TAA to TBE. When ingested, the effects of TAA may begin in about 30 minutes and can last up to 2 days. The oral LD50 in rats is 1 g/kg. |
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