Pentaerythritol (also known as 2,2-Bis (hydroxymethyl) 1,3-propanediol, tetramethylolmethane and PETP) is a synthetic compound with four alcohol groups. It is produced on an industrial scale by a chemical reaction involving formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Among other things, it is used to make adhesives, paints, coatings and flooring materials. Pentaerythritol is also used in the production of alkyd resins, plasticizers and emulsifiers. Besides being a supplier of high-quality pentaerythritol sourced from manufacturers all over the world, TER Chemicals also provides professional advice to help you select the right chemicals and product formulas..
 

Chemical properties of pentaerythritol

Pentaerythritol is an organic compound with four alcohol groups that is synthesized from formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. The compound has five carbon atoms and is a white crystalline powder. Pentaerythritol's characteristic properties include its slightly sweet taste and high combustibility. Furthermore, it is readily soluble in boiling water, moderately soluble in cold water, slightly soluble in alcohol, and fully insoluble in benzene, tetrachloromethane, ether and petroleum ether. Pentaerythritol is typically used in esterification reactions with acids. One famous example of this is the esterification with nitric acid. This reaction produces one of the most powerful explosive materials in the world: pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). The compound is even stronger than C4, which itself has a reputation as a formidable explosive。
 

Composition of pentaerythritol

As early as 1891, German chemist Bernhard Tollens discovered how to synthesize pentaerythritol (CAS Registry Number: 115-77-5) using a condensation reaction under alkaline conditions, called the aldol reaction. To produce pentaerythritol, acetaldehyde is reacted with another aldehyde molecule (in this case formaldehyde). Then the mixture must undergo what is known as the crossed Cannizzaro reaction. Apart from being used in the laboratory, this method of making pentaerythritol is also well-established and widely adopted on an industrial scale by all pentaerythritol suppliers and manufacturers.
 
Pentaerythritol in the adhesives industry
 
Pentaerythritol is used as raw materials to manufacture ester resins. These synthetic resins are mainly used as tackifiers in the adhesives industry and are synthesized by the reaction between an alcohol and an acid. Furthermore, pentaerythritol is also an additive found in formulas for paints, coatings, inks and flooring materials.

Pentaerythritol in plasticizers and emulsifiers

Pentaerythritol is also used as a raw material the production of alkyd resins, plasticizers and emulsifiers. These substances are ingredients for making sealants and rubber. Alkyd reins are polyesters that can dissolve in solvents. They quickly form a film when the solvents evaporate, meaning they are easy to process as sealants. Their chemical properties make them suitable for use in two-component sealant systems that are capable of handling challenging applications. In particular, industries with exacting requirements (such as the construction and marine industries) value the chemical versatility of pentaerythritol.