1-Pentanol is a colorless liquid with a mild to moderately strong odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 91°F. Boiling point 280°F. Vapors heavier than air. Used as a solvent and to make other chemicals.

Preparation

1-Pentanol is prepared from 1-butene by hydroformylation followed by hydrogenation of the resulting pentanal.

CH3CH2CH=CH2 + CO + H2 → CH3CH2CH2CH2CHO

CH3CH2CH2CH2CHO + H2 → CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2OH

1-Pentanol can be prepared by fractional distillation of fusel oil. To reduce the use of fossil fuels, research is underway to develop cost-effective methods of producing (chemically identical) bio-pentanol with fermentation.

Uses

1-pentanol is often used as a solvent, it is also a precursor to dipentyl zinc dithiophosphates, which are used in froth flotation.

Hazards

Flammable liquid and vapour

May be harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin

Causes skin and eye irritation

May cause respiratory irritation

May cause drowsiness or dizziness

May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways

Incompatibility

1-pentanol is incompatible with strong oxidising agents, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, hydrogen trisulphide, acids, acetaldehyde, acid anhydrides, acid chlorides, lithium aluminium hydride, isocyanates, dialkylmagnesiums, n-halomides, ethylene oxide, hypochlorous acid, hydrogen peroxide and sulphuric acid, nitrogen tetraoxide, nitryl hypochlorite, permonosulphuric acid, and tri-isobutyl aluminium.