Quick Search
1,5-Pentanediol is a building block for saturated polyesters, unsaturated polyesters and polyurethanes, solvent for inkjet ink formulations.
1,5-Pentanediol's suitable for polyesters for solvent-borne paints (stoving enamels, two-components paints, can & coil coatings), polyester plasticizers and for soft segments for polyurethanes.
1,5-Pentanediol is the organic compound with the formula HO(CH2)5OH.
CAS Number: 111-29-5
Molecular Formula: C5H12O2
Molecular Weight: 104.15
EINECS Number: 203-854-4
Synonyms: 1,5-Pentanediol, Pentane-1,5-diol, 1,5-Dihydroxypentane, Pentamethylene glycol, 1,5-Pentamethylene glycol, 1,5-Pentylene glycol, alpha,omega-Pentanediol, .alpha.,.omega.-Pentanediol, .omega.-Pentanediol, Pentane diol-1,5, pentan-1,5-diol, 1,5-pentane diol, 1,5-Pentandiol, 1,5 Pentanediol, 1.5-pentanediol, HO(CH2)5OH, Pentamethylene glycol;1,5-Dihydroxypentane, 1,5-Pentanediol, 96%, 1,5-Pentanediol, purum, >=95.0% (GC), 1,5-Pentanediol, purum, >=97.0% (GC), 1,5-Pentanediol Solution in Methanol, 100ug/mL, 1,5-Pentanediol, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 96%, CAS-111-29-5, 111-29-5, EINECS 203-854-4, EC 203-854-4, UNII-07UXZ0SCST, BRN 1560130, HSDB 6807, CHEBI:185431, CHEMBL448289, RefChem:73549, MFCD00002978, DTXSID2041256, DTXCID0021256, NSC-5927, NSC 5927, NSC5927, AI3-03318, WLN: Q5Q, Beilstein 4-01-00-02540, SCHEMBL18788, SCHEMBL149819, SCHEMBL329265, SCHEMBL471953, SCHEMBL596095, SCHEMBL4133064, SCHEMBL5599721, SCHEMBL15751096, AKOS009158215, CS-W020635, FP47128, MSK182090-100M, NCGC00248201-01, NCGC00254784-01, BP-30035, NS00002858, P0050, D77911, EN300-122591, F240419, Q161557, F0001-0238, UYB80442, Tox21_300880, 1,5-Pentamethylene glycol;1,5-pentamethyleneglycol;1,5-Pentandiol;alpha,omega-Pentanediol;Pentane diol-1,5;Pentane-1,5-diol;Pentylene glycol;1，5-Pentadiol
1,5-Pentanediol is a colorless, oily liquid with characteristic odor.
1,5-Pentanediol is miscible in water and organic solvents.
1,5-Pentanediol is obtained after treatment of the mixture of products resulting from the oxidation of cyclohexane with air.
Like other diols, this viscous, colorless liquid is used as a plasticizer and also forms polyesters, which are used as emulsifying agents and resin intermediates.
1,5-Pentanediol is produced by hydrogenation of glutaric acid and its derivatives.
1,5-Pentanediol can also be prepared by hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.
1,5-Pentanediol is an aliphatic diol consisting of a five-carbon linear chain with hydroxyl groups located at both terminal positions, which gives the molecule strong hydrogen-bonding ability and high chemical versatility.
It appears as a clear, colorless, and viscous liquid with low volatility and a mildly sweet odor, making it easy to handle in industrial and laboratory environments.
Because of its balanced molecular size and polarity, it shows good compatibility with both polar and moderately nonpolar substances.
The presence of two primary alcohol groups allows 1,5-Pentanediol to participate readily in condensation, esterification, and polymerization reactions.
This reactivity makes it a useful intermediate in chemical synthesis, particularly in the formation of polyesters, polyurethanes, and other functional polymers.
Its linear structure also contributes to predictable reactivity and uniform incorporation into polymer backbones.
1,5-Pentanediol exhibits good thermal stability and remains liquid over a wide temperature range, which supports its use in formulations requiring consistent performance.
It has moderate water solubility and mixes well with many organic solvents, providing formulation flexibility in multi-component systems.
These physical characteristics allow it to function both as a reactive building block and as a functional fluid component.
In comparison to shorter diols, 1,5-Pentanediol provides increased hydrophobic character while still retaining sufficient polarity from its hydroxyl groups.
This balance can improve moisture resistance and mechanical flexibility when it is incorporated into materials.
As a result, materials derived from 1,5-Pentanediol often show improved durability and resistance to environmental stress.
From a formulation standpoint, 1,5-Pentanediol can also act as a humectant and viscosity-modifying agent due to its ability to retain moisture and interact with surrounding molecules.
Its smooth sensory profile and chemical stability support its use in systems where long shelf life and consistent physical properties are required.
These combined features explain why 1,5-Pentanediol is widely valued across chemical, industrial, and specialty material applications.
1,5-Pentanediol is often selected in material design because it introduces controlled spacing between functional groups within a molecular structure.
This spacing can reduce internal stress and brittleness when incorporated into polymers or crosslinked systems.
As a result, materials derived from it tend to exhibit smoother mechanical behavior and improved flexibility.
In reactive systems, 1,5-Pentanediol can act as a chain extender, influencing molecular weight distribution and network density.
Its use allows chemists to fine-tune hardness, elongation, and tensile strength in finished materials.
This controllability makes it especially useful in precision polymer engineering.
1,5-Pentanediol also demonstrates good resistance to oxidative and thermal degradation under typical processing conditions.
This stability helps maintain product performance during long-term use and repeated thermal cycling.
Such resistance is important in applications where materials are exposed to heat or prolonged operational stress.
Melting point: −18 °C
Boiling point: 242 °C (lit.)
Density: 0.994 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Vapor density: 3.59
Vapor pressure: <0.01 mm Hg at 20 °C
Refractive index: n²⁰/D 1.450 (lit.)
Flash point: 135 °C
Storage temp.: Store below +30 °C
Solubility: Methanol (slightly)
pKa: 14.83 ± 0.10 (predicted)
Form: Oily liquid
Color: Clear, colorless
Odor: Odorless
pH: 7.5 (H₂O)
Explosive limit: 1.3–13.1 % (v/v)
Water solubility: Miscible
Sensitive: Hygroscopic
Merck: 14,7117
BRN: 1560130
Dielectric constant: 25.3
Cosmetics ingredients function: Solvent
InChIKey: ALQSHHUCVQOPAS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP: −0.49 at 25 °C
Surface tension: 43.3 mN/m at 20 °C
1,5-Pentanediol is considered a structurally flexible molecule because the five-carbon chain allows rotational freedom between bonds while maintaining terminal hydroxyl functionality.
This flexibility contributes to improved toughness and elasticity when it is incorporated into polymer networks.
Such behavior is especially valuable in materials that must withstand repeated mechanical deformation.
In chemical synthesis, 1,5-Pentanediol serves as a versatile intermediate for producing esters, ethers, and specialty derivatives.
Its primary alcohol groups react in a controlled and predictable manner, allowing precise adjustment of molecular architecture.
This makes it suitable for fine chemical production and tailored material design.
The molecule exhibits relatively low vapor pressure, which reduces losses during processing and improves workplace safety.
Its low volatility also contributes to stable formulation performance over extended storage periods.
These properties are advantageous in both batch and continuous manufacturing processes.
From a physicochemical perspective, 1,5-Pentanediol can influence intermolecular interactions through hydrogen bonding.
This ability affects viscosity, boiling behavior, and miscibility in complex mixtures.
As a result, it can be used to fine-tune formulation properties without introducing excessive reactivity.
Compared with longer-chain diols, 1,5-Pentanediol offers a balance between flexibility and molecular weight.
It provides sufficient chain length to enhance softness and durability while avoiding excessive hydrophobicity.
This balance supports its broad applicability across different chemical systems.
In specialty formulations, 1,5-Pentanediol may also contribute to improved stability against phase separation.
Its dual affinity for aqueous and organic components helps maintain homogeneous mixtures.
This characteristic is particularly useful in multi-phase or hybrid material systems.
From a formulation perspective, 1,5-Pentanediol contributes to balanced rheological behavior by interacting with surrounding components.
It can moderate viscosity without causing excessive thickening or thinning.
This effect allows formulators to achieve consistent flow and application properties.
In multi-component systems, 1,5-Pentanediol supports compatibility between ingredients with differing polarities.
Its molecular structure enables it to act as a bridging component within complex mixtures.
This reduces the risk of separation and enhances overall formulation stability.
Because of its predictable chemical behavior, 1,5-Pentanediol is often used in research and development as a model diol.
It allows systematic evaluation of structure–property relationships in materials science.
This role further highlights its importance beyond direct industrial use.
Uses:
1,5-Pentanediol has a wide range of applications.
Intermediate finds applications in Initial product for chemical syntheses, Inks and coatings, Plasticizers and Solvent, Industrial chemicals.
1,5-Pentanediol is used as a plasticizer in cellulose products and adhesives.
1,5-Pentanediol is used as a brake fluid additive.
It reacts with 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran to get 5-tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy-pentan-1-ol.
It is also used to prepare polyesters for emulsifying agents and resin intermediates.
1,5-Pentanediol is used in ink, toner and colorant products.
In addition to this, it is used in brake fluid compositions.
1,5-Pentanediol is used to produce materials made of polyester or polyurethane, for the manufacturing of monomers, for the manufacture of polyester polyols, polycarbonatedioles and acrylic monomers, for the production of delta valerolactone and for molecules that act as reactive diluents, for the production of halogenated substances and for the production of adhesives, putties and sealing compounds, cleaners and auxiliary agents.
Used in the processes to produce hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate and peroxyacetic acid and as an intermediate for pharmaceutical products.
1,5-Pentanediol is used as an ingredient for the production of polymeric thickeners, plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride, sizing agents, surfactants, for starches and chemically modified starch for application in the paper, textile and food industry, for personal hygiene products like shampoo, creams, and for paints.
1,5-Pentanediol is used in the manufacture of synthetic lubricants and lubricant additives where thermal stability and controlled viscosity are required.
It contributes to smooth flow behavior and improved performance under varying temperature conditions.
These characteristics support its application in specialty lubrication systems.
In resin and composite systems, 1,5-Pentanediol is incorporated to improve flexibility and reduce internal stresses within cured materials.
It helps enhance impact resistance and dimensional stability in composite structures.
Such uses are common in advanced coatings and reinforced material applications.
1,5-Pentanediol is also employed in the preparation of plasticizers and softening agents for polymer formulations.
It helps adjust softness and elasticity without significantly increasing volatility.
This makes it useful in flexible materials designed for long-term use.
In chemical processing, 1,5-Pentanediol functions as a reaction medium or co-solvent that supports controlled reaction conditions.
Its solvency and stability allow it to facilitate uniform heat and mass transfer.
This role is beneficial in precision synthesis and scale-up operations.
1,5-Pentanediol is used largely as a chemical intermediate.
Industrial exposure is likely to be from direct contact.
1,5-Pentanediol is used as a reagent in the total synthesis of (+)-Rubriflordilactone A, a nortriterpenoid natural product.
1,5-Pentanediol is also the starting material in the synthesis of Pseudomonic Acid D Sodium (P839520); an antibiotic isolated from Pseudomonas fluorescens.
1,5-Pentanediol is widely used as a chemical intermediate in the production of polyesters, polyurethanes, and other polymeric materials where flexibility and durability are required.
It functions as a chain extender or building block, allowing control over molecular weight and mechanical properties of the final polymer.
These applications are common in coatings, elastomers, and engineered plastics.
In formulation science, 1,5-Pentanediol is used as a humectant and solvent due to its ability to retain moisture and dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
It helps improve stability, texture, and shelf life in complex liquid and semi-solid systems.
This role is particularly important in specialty industrial and formulated products.
1,5-Pentanediol is also applied in coatings, adhesives, and sealants to enhance flexibility, adhesion, and resistance to cracking.
It improves film formation and performance under thermal or mechanical stress.
These properties support its use in protective coatings and bonding systems.
In specialty chemical synthesis, 1,5-Pentanediol is used to produce esters, plasticizers, and functional derivatives with tailored properties.
It enables fine control over polarity, flexibility, and reactivity in the resulting compounds.
Such derivatives are used in lubricants, additives, and advanced material formulations.
In research and development, 1,5-Pentanediol serves as a reference diol for studying structure–property relationships in polymers and formulations.
Its predictable reactivity makes it suitable for systematic experimental design.
This use supports innovation and optimization across chemical and materials science fields.
Safety Profile:
Mildly toxic by ingestion a skin and eye irritant.
Combustible when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidizing materials.
To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical.
1,5-Pentanediol is used as a plasticizer in cellulose products and adhesives, and in brake fluid.
1,5-Pentanediol has no marked health hazard properties.
Its acute toxicity is very low via all routes of exposure tested (oral, skin and inhalation).
1,5-Pentanediol has no irritation or sensitization effects.
Limited repeated dose and long term health or reproductive effects has been generated with itself.
More extensive data is available for the analogous substance 1,5-Hexanediol.
Based on the total amount of information available.
1,5-Pentanediol is not expected to cause repeated dose or long term health effects.
The physical properties of 1,5-Pentanediol give no rise to concern.
Its flammability is low.
Therefore, 1,5-Pentanediol has a very low overall human health hazard potential.
1,5-Pentanediol may cause mild irritation to the skin and eyes upon direct contact, especially after prolonged or repeated exposure.
Contact can lead to redness, dryness, or discomfort due to its hygroscopic nature and interaction with skin moisture.
Using protective gloves and eye protection helps reduce the risk of irritation during handling.
Inhalation of vapors or aerosols containing 1,5-Pentanediol may irritate the respiratory tract.
Although it has low volatility, exposure can still occur during heating, spraying, or processing operations.
Adequate ventilation is recommended to minimize inhalation exposure in occupational environments.
Ingestion of large amounts of 1,5-Pentanediol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or irritation.
The substance is generally considered to have low acute toxicity, but excessive intake should be avoided.
Good laboratory and industrial hygiene practices are important to prevent accidental ingestion.
