Isopentyl acetate, also known as isoamyl acetate or amylacetic ester, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as carboxylic acid esters. These are carboxylic acid derivatives in which the carbon atom from the carbonyl group is attached to an alkyl or an aryl moiety through an oxygen atom (forming an ester group). Isopentyl acetate is an ester formed from isoamyl alcohol and acetic acid. It is a colorless liquid that is only slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in most organic solvents. Isopentyl acetate has a sweet, fruity banana odor and similar sweet, fruity banana taste. Isopentyl acetate is used to confer banana flavor in foods. Isopentyl acetate is a secondary metabolite. Secondary metabolites are metabolically or physiologically non-essential metabolites that may serve a role as defense or signalling molecules. In some cases they are simply molecules that arise from the incomplete metabolism of other secondary metabolites. Outside of the human body, Isopentyl acetate is found, on average, in the highest concentration within a few different foods, such as red wines, white wines, and beers. Isopentyl acetate has also been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as blackberries (Rubus), figs (Ficus carica), red teas, bananas (Musa acuminata), and black elderberries (Sambucus nigra). This could make isopentyl acetate a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Isopentyl acetate occurs naturally in the banana plant and it is also produced synthetically. Based on a literature review a significant number of articles have been published on Isopentyl acetate. Pure isopentyl acetate, or mixtures of isopentyl acetate, amyl acetate, and other flavors may be referred to as banana oil. Because of its intense, pleasant odor and its low toxicity, isopentyl acetate is used to test the effectiveness of respirators or gas masks. Isopentyl acetate is released by a honey bee's sting where it serves as a pheromone beacon to attract other bees and provoke them to sting.