2-Pentanol is an organic compound with a molecular formula of C5H12O. It is a colorless liquid that is used as a solvent and in the production of pharmaceuticals and fragrances.
| IUPAC Name | 2-Pentanol |
| Molecular Formula | C5H12O |
| CAS Number | 6032-29-7 |
| Synonyms | Amyl alcohol, sec-Amyl alcohol, 2-pentyl alcohol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C5H12O/c1-3-4-5(2)6/h5-6H,3-4H2,1-2H3 |
2-Pentanol Properties
2-Pentanol Formula
The formula of 2-Pentanol is C5H12O. It represents the molecular composition of this organic compound. It consists of five carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.
2-Pentanol Molar Mass
The molar mass of 2-pentyl alcohol is calculated by summing the atomic masses of its constituent elements. With a formula of C5H12O, its molar mass is approximately 88.15 grams per mole. Molar mass is crucial for various chemical calculations and conversions.
2-Pentanol Boiling Point
The boiling point of 2-pentyl alcohol is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gas under standard atmospheric pressure. It has a relatively low boiling point of about 118 degrees Celsius (244 degrees Fahrenheit). This property makes it useful in various industrial processes.
2-Pentanol Melting Point
The melting point of 2-pentyl alcohol refers to the temperature at which it transitions from a solid to a liquid state. It has a melting point of around -79 degrees Celsius (-110 degrees Fahrenheit). This characteristic allows it to exist as a liquid at room temperature.
2-Pentanol Density g/mL
The density of 2-pentyl alcohol is a measure of its mass per unit volume. It has a density of about 0.81 grams per milliliter (g/mL). This property is important for determining the solubility and physical behavior of the compound.
2-Pentanol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of 2-pentyl alcohol is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in its formula. It is approximately 88.15 grams per mole. The molecular weight provides insight into the compound’s mass and helps in various chemical calculations.
2-Pentanol Structure
The structure of 2-pentyl alcohol consists of a chain of five carbon atoms bonded to each other, with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the second carbon. This primary alcohol structure imparts unique chemical properties and reactivity to the compound.
2-Pentanol Solubility
2-pentyl alcohol exhibits moderate solubility in water, owing to its ability to form hydrogen bonds. It is more soluble in polar solvents like ethanol and acetone. However, its solubility decreases with increasing carbon chain length in nonpolar solvents.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.812 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Molar Mass | 88.15 g/mol |
| Density | 0.812 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -79 °C |
| Boiling Point | 118 °C |
| Flash Point | 34 °C |
| Water Solubility | Miscible |
| Solubility | Soluble in polar solvents such as ethanol and acetone |
| Vapor Pressure | 5.15 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Vapor Density | 3.03 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 16.0 |
| pH | Approximately 7 |
2-Pentanol Safety and Hazards
2-pentyl alcohol poses certain safety and hazard considerations. It is important to handle this compound with care. Inhalation of its vapors may cause irritation to the respiratory system. Direct contact with the skin or eyes may lead to irritation and discomfort. It is advisable to use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working with 2-pentyl alcohol. This compound is flammable and should be kept away from open flames or sources of ignition. In case of accidental ingestion or exposure, seeking medical attention is recommended. It is crucial to store and handle 2-pentyl alcohol in a well-ventilated area and follow proper safety protocols.
| Hazard Symbols | Xn (Harmful) |
| Safety Description | Avoid inhalation, wear protective equipment |
| UN IDs | UN 1105 |
| HS Code | 2905.16.00 |
| Hazard Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Harmful if swallowed or inhaled |
2-Pentanol Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for synthesizing 2-pentyl alcohol. One common approach is the hydroboration-oxidation reaction. In this method, 1-Pentene, an alkene, undergoes hydroboration with borane to form the corresponding boron alkoxide. Subsequent oxidation using hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite converts the boron alkoxide to 2-pentyl alcohol.
Another method involves the hydration of 1-Pentene. In this process, 1-Pentene reacts with water in the presence of an acid catalyst such as sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid. The reaction proceeds through Markovnikov addition, resulting in the formation of 2-pentyl alcohol.
To synthesize 2-pentyl alcohol, one can reduce pentanal, an aldehyde, using reducing agents such as sodium borohydride or lithium aluminum hydride. The reaction converts pentanal to 2-pentyl alcohol.
The Grignard reaction enables the preparation of 2-pentyl alcohol. Reacting a Grignard reagent, such as methylmagnesium bromide, with formaldehyde (or its derivatives) generates a magnesium alkoxide intermediate. Acidic work-up of the intermediate yields 2-pentyl alcohol.
Fermentation is another method to obtain 2-pentyl alcohol. Certain microorganisms, such as yeast, can convert sugars derived from biomass into 2-pentyl alcohol through a series of enzymatic reactions.
These synthesis methods offer various routes to produce 2-pentyl alcohol, providing flexibility for industrial applications and ensuring a steady supply of this valuable compound.
2-Pentanol Uses
2-pentyl alcohol has widespread applications as a solvent in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fragrances.
- It is utilized as a chemical intermediate in the production of plasticizers, flavors, and pharmaceutical compounds.
- 2-pentyl alcohol finds use as a starting material for the synthesis of other compounds, such as esters, by reacting it with acids.
- It is employed as a viscosity modifier in personal care products and as a wetting agent in coatings and paints.
- 2-pentyl alcohol is utilized as a solvent for resins, oils, and waxes due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances.
- It serves as a raw material for the manufacture of detergents, emulsifiers, and surfactants.
- This compound is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages, adding fruity and floral notes to the final product.
- 2-pentyl alcohol is employed in the production of agricultural chemicals, such as herbicides and insecticides.
- It acts as a chemical reagent in organic synthesis, facilitating various chemical transformations.
- 2-pentyl alcohol is also utilized in the laboratory as a solvent for extraction and purification processes.
Questions:
Q: What is the function of the acid catalyst in promoting the dehydration of 2-pentanol?
A: The acid catalyst facilitates the removal of a water molecule from 2-pentyl alcohol, promoting the dehydration reaction and the formation of the corresponding alkene.
Q: How to make 2-pentanol with a Grignard reaction?
A: To synthesize 2-pentyl alcohol using a Grignard reaction, react a Grignard reagent, such as methylmagnesium bromide, with formaldehyde or its derivatives, followed by acidic work-up to yield 2-pentyl alcohol.
Q: What is the mass spectrum of 2-pentanol?
A: The mass spectrum of 2-pentyl alcohol displays the distribution of its molecular ions and fragments, providing information about its molecular weight and structural characteristics.