Pentan-1-ol

Chemical Compound
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Pentan-1-ol, also known as n-pentyl alcohol or n-amyl alcohol, is a primary alcohol with the chemical formula C₅H₁₂O. It is a colorless liquid with a distinctive odor and is one of the isomers of pentanol.

Structure and Properties

Pentan-1-ol is a straight-chain alcohol with the hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the first carbon of the pentane chain. This structure classifies it as a primary alcohol. The molecular structure can be represented by the SMILES notation "CCCCC-O".

The physical properties of pentan-1-ol include a boiling point of 138 °C and a melting point of -78 °C. It has a density of 0.814 g/cm³ and is moderately soluble in water, with a solubility of 22 g/L at 20 °C. The viscosity of pentan-1-ol is 4.2 mPa·s, indicating its relatively low resistance to flow compared to more viscous liquids.

Production

Pentan-1-ol can be produced through the hydroformylation of butene followed by hydrogenation of the resulting aldehyde. This process involves the addition of a formyl group (CHO) to butene, creating pentanal, which is then reduced to pentan-1-ol.

Applications

Pentan-1-ol is used in the manufacture of esters for use in perfumes and flavorings. It is also used as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals.

Safety and Handling

Pentan-1-ol is classified as a flammable liquid and should be handled with care. It has a flash point of 49 °C and an autoignition temperature of 300 °C. The explosive limits in air range from 1.2% to 9.0% by volume. Proper storage and handling procedures should be followed to minimize the risk of fire and exposure.

Also see

• Pentanol
• Alcohol (chemistry)
• Hydroformylation
• Solvent