Pentanol

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Pentanol (also known as amyl alcohol) is a group of compounds with the formula C5H11OH. It is a colorless liquid with an odor that is "alcoholic" to some people. It is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, in the preparation of perfumes, and as a solvent for resins.

Structure and properties[edit | edit source]

Pentanol has five isomers. All are alcohols with a molecular formula of C5H12O or C5H11OH. The isomers are:

  • 1-Pentanol
  • 2-Pentanol
  • 3-Pentanol
  • 2-Methylbutan-1-ol
  • 3-Methylbutan-1-ol

Production[edit | edit source]

Pentanol can be prepared by the acid-catalyzed addition of water to 1-pentene, a reaction that also produces 2-pentanol. Alternatively, it can be produced by the hydroformylation of butene to form butyraldehyde, which is then reduced to pentanol.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Pentanol is used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, in the preparation of perfumes, and as a solvent for resins. It is also used as a flavoring agent in food products.

Safety[edit | edit source]

Pentanol is a flammable liquid. It can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It can also cause dizziness, headache, and nausea.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Pentanol Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD