1-Pentanol

Product Details

CasNo： 71-41-0

MF： C₅H₁₂O

Appearance： liquid

Purity： 99.5% Min

1. Basic Information​

1.1 Chemical Name​

n - Pentanol (systematic name: 1 - Pentanol)​

1.2 Synonyms​

Amyl alcohol, Pentyl alcohol, n - Amyl alcohol​

1.3 Molecular Formula​

C₅H₁₂O​

1.4 Molecular Weight​

88.15 g/mol​

1.5 CAS Number​

71 - 41 - 0​

1.6 EINECS Number​

200 - 752 - 1​

2. Physical Properties​

2.1 Appearance​

Colorless liquid​

2.2 Odor​

Slightly aromatic, with a faint, characteristic odor​

2.3 Density​

0.814 - 0.819 g/mL at 25 °C​

2.4 Melting Point​

−78 °C (lit.)​

2.5 Boiling Point​

137 - 139 °C (lit.)​

2.6 Flash Point​

33 °C (closed - cup)​

2.7 Solubility​

Slightly soluble in water (about 2.2 g/100 mL at 20 °C). Miscible with most organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, acetone, and chloroform.​

2.8 Vapor Pressure​

0.27 kPa at 20 °C​

2.9 Vapor Density​

3.04 (relative to air = 1)​

2.10 Refractive Index​

n₂₀/D 1.410 - 1.412 (lit.)​

3. Chemical Properties​

3.1 Reactivity​

• Esterification: Similar to other alcohols, n - pentanol can react with carboxylic acids in the presence of an acid catalyst to form esters. For example, when reacting with acetic acid, pentyl acetate is produced:​

• C₅H₁₁OH + CH₃COOH ⇌ CH₃COOC₅H₁₁ + H₂O​

• Oxidation: It can be oxidized to the corresponding aldehyde (valeraldehyde, C₄H₉CHO) and then further to the carboxylic acid (valeric acid, C₄H₉COOH). With a mild oxidizing agent like pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC), it can be oxidized to the aldehyde:​

• C₅H₁₁OH + PCC → C₄H₉CHO​

• Under stronger oxidizing conditions, such as with potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) in acidic solution, it will be oxidized to the carboxylic acid:​

• C₅H₁₁OH + [O] (from KMnO₄/H⁺) → C₄H₉COOH​

• Combustion: Burns in air, producing carbon dioxide and water. The combustion reaction equation is: 2C₅H₁₂O + 15O₂ → 10CO₂ + 12H₂O​

3.2 Stability​

Stable under normal conditions. However, it is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air within the concentration range of 1.2% - 10.5% by volume. It should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and alkalis to avoid chemical reactions.​

4. Production Methods​

4.1 From Pentenes (Hydrolysis)​

• Raw Materials and Reaction Process:​

• Pentenes (such as 1 - pentene, 2 - pentene) are used as raw materials.​

• In the presence of an acid catalyst (usually sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid), pentenes react with water in a hydration reaction. For example, 1 - pentene reacts with water as follows:​

• CH₃CH₂CH₂CH = CH₂ + H₂O (H⁺ catalyst) → CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OH​

• The reaction is carried out at an appropriate temperature (around 150 - 200 °C) and pressure (several to tens of atmospheres). After the reaction, the product mixture is separated and purified through processes such as distillation to obtain pure n - pentanol.​

4.2 From Natural Oils and Fats (Indirect Method)​

• Some natural oils and fats contain esters of fatty acids with higher alcohols. Through hydrolysis, fatty acids and glycerol are obtained. Then, by further processing such as reduction and fractionation, higher - carbon - chain alcohols including n - pentanol can be obtained. However, this method is more complex and less commonly used for large - scale n - pentanol production compared to the pentene hydrolysis method. For example, in the hydrolysis of certain triglycerides in vegetable oils:​

• Triglyceride + 3H₂O → 3Fatty acid + Glycerol​

• Subsequently, through a series of reactions such as reduction of fatty acids and fractionation based on boiling points, n - pentanol can be separated.​

5. Applications​

5.1 Solvent Applications​

• In the Coating and Ink Industry: n - Pentanol serves as an effective solvent. In the coating industry, it can dissolve various resins, pigments, and additives. It helps to ensure good flowability and leveling of the coating during application, facilitating the formation of a smooth and uniform film. In the ink industry, it can dissolve colorants and binders, enabling the ink to have good transfer performance during the printing process, which is beneficial for obtaining clear and vivid prints.​

• In the Resin and Plastic Industry: It can be used as a solvent for some resins and plastics during processing. For instance, in the production of certain adhesives, n - pentanol can dissolve polymer components, improving the adhesion and workability of the adhesives. It can also be used in the preparation of some polymer solutions for specific processing requirements.​

5.2 Organic Synthesis Intermediate​

• In the Production of Esters: As mentioned before, n - pentanol is widely used in the synthesis of esters. These esters have various applications. For example, pentyl acetate has a pleasant fruity odor and is used in the perfume and flavor industry. It is also used as a solvent in some industrial processes.​

• In the Synthesis of Other Organic Compounds: n - pentanol can be used to synthesize surfactants. By reacting with appropriate substances, it can form non - ionic or anionic surfactants. In the pharmaceutical industry, it may participate in the synthesis of certain drugs or pharmaceutical intermediates.​

5.3 Food and Beverage Industry​

• As a Flavoring Agent: It is an approved food flavor. n - pentanol can be used in the formulation of flavors for a variety of food products such as chocolate, whiskey, bread, and cereal - based products. It adds a unique flavor note, enhancing the overall flavor profile of these foods.​

5.4 Other Applications​

• Antifoaming Agent: It can be used as an antifoaming agent in industries such as latex production, paper making, and some chemical processes. In latex production, it effectively reduces the formation of foam, ensuring the stability and quality of the latex product. In paper making, it prevents the formation of foam in the pulp suspension, which is beneficial to the paper - making process.​

• Dispersant and Lubricant: n - pentanol can act as a dispersant to help disperse solid particles evenly in a liquid medium. For example, in the production of some pigments or fillers, it can be used to improve the dispersion of these particles, preventing agglomeration. It can also be used as a lubricant in some applications, reducing friction between moving parts.​

6. Packaging and Storage​

6.1 Packaging​

• Galvanized Iron Drums: Commonly packaged in galvanized iron drums, usually with a packaging specification of 160 - 170 kg per drum. The drums are tightly sealed to prevent leakage and evaporation of n - pentanol.​

• Tank Trucks and Rail Tank Cars: For large - scale transportation, n - pentanol can be transported in tank trucks or rail tank cars. These transportation containers are made of materials that can withstand the corrosion of n - pentanol and are equipped with safety devices such as pressure relief valves and grounding devices to ensure safe transportation.​

6.2 Storage​

• Location: Store in a cool, well - ventilated warehouse. The storage temperature should be kept below 30 °C to reduce the risk of evaporation and the formation of explosive vapor - air mixtures.​

• Avoidance: Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ignition sources. It should be stored separately from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and alkalis to avoid chemical reactions.​

• Fire Protection: The storage area should be equipped with appropriate fire - fighting equipment, such as foam, dry - chemical, or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. In case of a fire, these fire - fighting agents can effectively extinguish the fire. In addition, there should be emergency response plans and procedures in place to deal with potential accidents such as fires and spills.​

7. Toxicity and Safety Information​

7.1 Toxicity​

• Acute Toxicity: n - Pentanol is of low - to - moderate toxicity. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) for rats by oral administration is approximately 1300 - 2400 mg/kg. Ingestion of large amounts may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, it can affect the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression and coma.​

• Dermal Toxicity: Prolonged or repeated skin contact can cause skin irritation. It can defat the skin, resulting in dryness, redness, and cracking.​

• Inhalation Toxicity: Inhalation of its vapor can irritate the respiratory tract. At high concentrations, it may cause coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the nose and throat. The threshold limit value (TLV) in the workplace air, as recommended by relevant organizations, is usually set to limit the exposure level to protect workers' health.​

7.2 Safety Precautions​

• Engineering Controls: In workplaces where n - pentanol is used or stored, install local exhaust ventilation or general dilution ventilation systems to keep the vapor concentration below the TLV. Use explosion - proof electrical equipment and lighting to prevent ignition of flammable vapors.​

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):​

• Respiratory Protection: When working in areas with potential high vapor concentrations, wear appropriate respiratory protection, such as air - purifying respirators with organic vapor cartridges.​

• Eye Protection: Use safety goggles or face shields to protect the eyes from splashes.​

• Skin Protection: Wear chemical - resistant gloves, protective clothing, and safety shoes to prevent skin contact.​

• Fire and Explosion Prevention: Since n - pentanol is flammable, strictly prohibit smoking, open flames, and the use of non - explosion - proof electrical equipment in areas where it is present. Have fire - fighting plans and emergency response procedures in place, and train employees on how to respond to fires and spills.