1-Pentanol is a colorless liquid alcohol with five carbon atoms. It is used as a solvent, and intermediate in chemical synthesis, and has a variety of industrial applications.
| IUPAC Name | Pentan-1-ol |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₁₁OH |
| CAS Number | 71-41-0 |
| Synonyms | Amyl alcohol, n-Amyl alcohol, 1-Hydroxypentane, n-Pentyl alcohol, Pentanol, Pentyl alcohol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C5H12O/c1-2-3-4-5-6/h6H,2-5H2,1H3 |
1-Pentanol Properties
1-Pentanol Formula
The formula of pentanol is C₅H₁₁OH. It consists of five carbon atoms, eleven hydrogen atoms, and one hydroxyl group (-OH). The formula represents the specific arrangement and types of atoms in a molecule of pentanol.
1-Pentanol Molar Mass
The molar mass of pentanol is calculated by summing the atomic masses of its constituent atoms. The molar mass of pentanol is approximately 88.15 grams per mole (g/mol). It provides information about the mass of one mole of pentanol molecules.
1-Pentanol Boiling Point
pentanol has a boiling point of around 138 degrees Celsius (280 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, the liquid pentanol transforms into its gaseous state. The boiling point indicates the temperature at which a substance changes its phase from liquid to gas.
1-Pentanol Melting Point
The melting point of pentanol is approximately -79 degrees Celsius (-110 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the temperature at which the solid pentanol converts into its liquid form. The melting point represents the transition from a solid to a liquid state.
1-Pentanol Density g/mL
The density of pentanol is about 0.81 grams per milliliter (g/mL). Density is the measure of mass per unit volume. It indicates how closely packed the molecules of a substance are.
1-Pentanol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of 1-Pentanol is approximately 88.15 grams per mole (g/mol). It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. The molecular weight is used in various calculations, such as determining the number of moles or mass of a substance.
1-Pentanol Structure
The structure of pentanol consists of a linear chain of five carbon atoms, with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to one end. It has the chemical formula CH₃(CH₂)₃CH₂OH. The structure of pentanol plays a crucial role in determining its physical and chemical properties.
1-Pentanol Solubility
Pentanol is soluble in organic solvents, such as ether and acetone, but has limited solubility in water. It forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules due to the presence of the hydroxyl group. The solubility of pentanol influences its behavior in different environments.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.809-0.814 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Molar Mass | 88.15 g/mol |
| Density | 0.81 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -79°C (-110°F) |
| Boiling Point | 138°C (280°F) |
| Flash Point | 54°C (129°F) |
| Water Solubility | Slightly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents such as ether and acetone |
| Vapour Pressure | 2.5 mmHg (25°C) |
| Vapour Density | 3.0 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 16.2 |
| pH | 6.5-8.5 |
1-Pentanol Safety and Hazards
Pentanol poses certain safety and hazard considerations. It should be handled with caution due to its flammable nature, with a flash point of 54°c (129°f). Avoid contact with open flames or ignition sources. Inhaling the vapors of pentanol may cause irritation to the respiratory system. Direct skin contact may lead to irritation or drying of the skin. If accidentally ingested, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Adequate ventilation should be maintained when working with pentanol to minimize vapor exposure. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, should be used to ensure safe handling. It is important to consult the safety data sheet and follow proper safety protocols when working with pentanol.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable (F) |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilation/lighting equipment. Avoid breathing vapor. Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection. |
| UN IDs | UN 1105 |
| HS Code | 2905.16.00 |
| Hazard Class | Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) |
| Packing Group | PG II |
| Toxicity | May cause irritation. |
1-Pentanol Synthesis Methods
Various methods allow the synthesis of pentanol.
One common method is the hydroformylation of 1-butene, which involves the reaction of 1-butene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a rhodium catalyst. This process leads to the formation of a mixture of aldehyde intermediates, followed by hydrogenation to produce pentanol.
Another method involves the reduction of pentanal, an aldehyde compound, using a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. This reduction reaction converts pentanal into pentanol.
Chemists can carry out the hydration of 1-pentene, an alkene, to produce pentanol. This reaction involves the addition of water across the carbon-carbon double bond in 1-pentene, resulting in the formation of pentanol.
Moreover, one can synthesize pentanol by hydrogenating pentanoic acid, a carboxylic acid. The reaction takes place in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as palladium on carbon, and hydrogen gas, leading to the conversion of pentanoic acid into pentanol.
These synthesis methods provide different routes to obtain pentanol, offering flexibility in production based on the starting materials available and desired reaction conditions.
1-Pentanol Uses
Pentanol has various uses across different industries due to its properties and versatility. Here are some of its notable applications:
- Solvent: Pentanol serves as a solvent in industries such as pharmaceuticals, coatings, and cosmetics, effectively dissolving many organic compounds. It plays a crucial role in formulating paints, varnishes, and personal care products.
- Chemical Synthesis: It serves as an important intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals. It can undergo reactions to produce esters, ethers, and other derivatives, which find applications in the production of fragrances, flavors, and pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Extraction: In extraction processes, Pentanol finds utilization for separating certain compounds from natural products. It aids in extracting valuable substances from plant materials, contributing to the production of essential oils, perfumes, and flavors.
- Cleaning Agent: Industries such as electronics, optics, and precision manufacturing employ Pentanol as a cleaning agent due to its ability to dissolve oils, greases, and other contaminants. It ensures thorough cleaning by removing residues from surfaces.
- Fuel Additive: In some cases, Pentanol serves as a fuel additive to enhance combustion efficiency and reduce emissions. It improves the performance and environmental impact of fuels when blended with gasoline or other fuels.
- Industrial Applications: Pentanol finds use in various industrial processes, including paint stripping, metal degreasing, and industrial cleaning. Its properties make it effective in removing coatings and contaminants from surfaces.
- Research and Laboratory: Pentanol serves as a reagent or solvent in scientific research and laboratory settings. It facilitates reactions, extractions, and purifications in various experimental procedures.
The diverse applications of Pentanol highlight its importance in several industries, where its unique properties contribute to the development of numerous products and processes.
Questions:
Q: Which of the following is the most soluble in water: acetic acid, pentanol, butanoic acid, or pentanal?
A: Acetic acid is the most soluble in water among the given compounds.
Q: Is pentanol soluble in water?
A: Pentanol has limited solubility in water.
Q: What is the function of the acid catalyst in promoting the dehydration of 4-methyl-2-pentanol?
A: The acid catalyst facilitates the removal of a water molecule from 4-methyl-2-pentanol, promoting its dehydration.
Q: What product is obtained from the reaction of sulfuric acid, acetic acid, and 1-pentanol?
A: The reaction between sulfuric acid, acetic acid, and pentanol results in the formation of ester compounds.
Q: Does pentanol have hydrogen bonding?
A: Yes, pentanol can exhibit hydrogen bonding due to the presence of the hydroxyl group.
Q: How might you prepare pentanoic acid from 1-pentanol?
A: Pentanoic acid can be obtained by oxidizing 1-pentanol using suitable oxidizing agents or by hydrolyzing its corresponding ester.
Q: What organic product would you obtain from the reaction of 1-pentanol with CrO3, H2O, and H2SO4?
A: The reaction of 1-pentanol with CrO3, H2O, and H2SO4 yields the formation of the corresponding carboxylic acid.
Q: Which is less soluble in water, 1-pentanol or 1-heptanol? Explain.
A: pentanol is less soluble in water compared to 1-heptanol due to its shorter hydrocarbon chain, resulting in weaker interactions with water molecules.
Q: What organic product would you obtain from the reaction of 1-pentanol with PBr3?
A: The reaction of pentanol with PBr3 leads to the substitution of the hydroxyl group, resulting in the formation of 1-bromopentane.