What odor does propyl acetate have According to lab professor this is supposed to smell like raspberries My sample smelled like nail polish remover All research I find says a pear odor?

Answer 1

Pears

Certainly pears is found in many textbooks as the associated scent for n-propyl acetate and many noses may agree with this comparison. Personally I found it to smell very similar to acetone, and in fact the fine folks at DOW Chemical (and BASF) seem to be of the same opinion.

"N-propyl acetate is a colorless,

volatile solvent with an odor similar to

acetone. It has good solvency power

for many natural and synthetic resins.

It is miscible with many organic

solvents."

- DOW MSDS for n-Propyl Acetate

"n-Propyl acetate is a clear, volatile,

mobile liquid with a characteristic odour

reminiscent of acetone. It is miscible with

many common solvents, e. g. alcohols, ketones,

aldehydes, ethers, glycols and glycol ethers,

but it is only sparingly soluble in water. "

- BASF Product Information page for n-Propyl acetate

Answer 2

Propyl acetate is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor that is commonly described as resembling pears. While some people may perceive hints of raspberries in its scent, it is more commonly associated with pears. The smell of nail polish remover may indicate impurities or other compounds present in the sample.