Pentaerythritol


Pentaerythritol is an organic compound with the formula C4. Classified as a polyol, it is a white solid. Pentaerythritol is a building block for the synthesis and production of explosives, plastics, paints, appliances, cosmetics, and many other commercial products.
The word pentaerythritol is a portmanteau of penta- in reference to its 5 carbon atoms and erythritol, which also possesses 4 alcohol groups.

Synthesis

Pentaerythritol was first reported in 1891 by German chemist Bernhard Tollens and his student P. Wigand. It may be prepared via a base-catalyzed multiple-addition reaction between acetaldehyde and 3 equivalents of formaldehyde, followed by a Cannizzaro reaction with a fourth equivalent of formaldehyde to give the final product.

Uses

Pentaerythritol is a versatile building block for the preparation of many polyfunctionalized compounds. Derivatives of pentaerythritol are components of alkyd resins, varnishes, polyvinyl chloride stabilizers, tall oil esters, and olefin antioxidants. It can be found in transformer oil, plastics, paints, cosmetics, and many other applications.

Polyester derivatives

Pentaerythritol is a precursor to esters of the type C4. One such derivative is pentaerythritol tetranitrate, a vasodilator and explosive. The trinitrate derivative is called pentrinitrol. The tetraacetate is called normosterol. The polymer cross-linking agent pentaerythritol tetraacrylate.

Fire retardants

Pentaerythritol is used as a fire retardant, such as in plastics. It produces a thick carbon barrier upon heating, protecting the surface substrate.
Pentaerythritol is one of the most common main active components in intumescent paints and coatings. It acts as a carbon donor and together with an acid donor, most commonly ammonium polyphosphate, and a blowing agent, most commonly melamine.