Pinacolyl alcohol

Pinacolyl alcohol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H14O. It is a secondary alcohol and a member of the pinacol family. It is a colorless, viscous liquid that is soluble in most organic solvents but not in water.

History

Pinacolyl alcohol was first synthesized in the late 19th century by the German chemist Adolf von Baeyer. He discovered it during his studies on the pinacol rearrangement, a well-known reaction in organic chemistry.

Production

Pinacolyl alcohol is produced industrially by the hydrogenation of pinacolone, a ketone that is itself derived from acetone and isoprene. The reaction is typically carried out in the presence of a catalyst, such as ruthenium on carbon.

Uses

Pinacolyl alcohol is used primarily as a precursor to pinacolyl borane, a reagent used in organic synthesis. It is also used in the production of certain pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

Safety

Like many organic solvents, pinacolyl alcohol is flammable and should be handled with care. It can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, and prolonged exposure can lead to serious health problems.

See also

• Pinacol
• Pinacolone
• Pinacol rearrangement
• Organic chemistry
• Adolf von Baeyer