[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, 2 pentanediol

Pentylene glycol properties

chemical structure and physical properties

Pentanediol (1,2-Pentanediol) is a dihydric alcohol with a chemical structure of C5H12O2 and a molecular weight of 104.15g/mol. Pentylene glycol has a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid state, with hygroscopic. It has a boiling point of about 204°C, a melting point of around -50°C and a density of 0.992g/cm³. It has good solubility in water, ethanol and ether. Because of its structure contains two hydroxyl groups, it has strong hydrophilicity and good solvent.

Chemical Properties

pentylene glycol has the typical chemical properties of diols, for example, it can react with acids to form esters, react with bases to form corresponding salts, and can also react with aldehydes, ketones, etc. Under certain conditions, pentanediol can be dehydrated to generate epoxy compounds or ether compounds. These reaction characteristics make pentanediol have a wide range of potential applications in organic synthesis and materials science.

Pentylene glycol use

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

pentylene glycol is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. It can act as a humectant, solvent and stabilizer. Since pentanediol has good hydration, it can help the skin retain moisture and prevent dryness and dehydration. In cosmetic formulations, pentanediol can also increase the solubility of other ingredients and promote the penetration and absorption of active ingredients.

Pharmaceutical industry

in the pharmaceutical field, pentanediol is used as a solvent and stabilizer for pharmaceutical preparations. It can improve the solubility and stability of the drug and improve the bioavailability of the drug. Pentylene glycol can also be used to make ointments and ointment bases to help drugs spread and absorb better on the skin.

Industrial Applications

pentylene glycol also has important applications in industrial production. It can be used as an industrial solvent, a plasticizer and a lubricant for resins. The low volatility and good chemical stability of pentylene glycol make it play an important role in coatings, inks and adhesives. Pentylene glycol can also be used to make polymer materials such as polyester resin and polyurethane foam to increase the flexibility and durability of the material.

Upstream raw materials

acetaldehyde

the production of pentanediol usually starts with acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde produces 1,2-pentanediol by hydroxylation. This process involves multiple chemical reactions and the use of catalysts, requiring strict control of reaction conditions to ensure high yields and high purity of the product.

Acetone

another common upstream feedstock is acetone. Acetone can be hydrogenated to produce isopropanol, and then further hydroxylated and hydrogenated to produce pentanediol. One advantage of the acetone route is that the process is relatively simple and low cost.

Petrochemical Products

petrochemical products, such as ethylene, propylene, etc., can also be used as indirect raw materials for the production of pentylene glycol. Through a series of complex chemical conversion processes, these petrochemical products can generate intermediates such as acetaldehyde or acetone, which in turn can be used for the synthesis of pentanediol.

Downstream Applications

polyester resin

pentylene glycol is one of the important monomers in the manufacture of polyester resins. These resins are widely used in coatings, textiles, packaging materials and engineering plastics. The addition of pentanediol can improve the mechanical properties and chemical resistance of the polyester resin, and improve the overall performance of the material.

Polyurethane foam

in the production of polyurethane foam, pentanediol can be used as a chain extender and cross-linking agent. It can effectively adjust the density, hardness and elasticity of the foam to produce foam materials with excellent performance. These foams are widely used in the furniture, automotive, construction and packaging industries.

Lubricants and coolants

pentylene glycol can also be used to make lubricants and coolants. Its excellent lubricating properties and low volatility make it an important component of industrial lubricants. Pentylene glycol has good thermal conductivity and chemical stability, suitable for use as a coolant, used in automobiles, machinery and electronic equipment.

storage method

Storage conditions

pentylene glycol should be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. The ideal storage temperature is room temperature (20-25°C) to avoid drastic temperature changes. The storage container shall be well sealed to prevent moisture absorption and deterioration of the product caused by the entry of humid air.

Container Selection

it is recommended to store pentanediol in stainless steel or glass containers. These materials have good chemical stability and are not easy to react with pentylene glycol, ensuring the purity and quality of the product. Plastic containers can also be used, but chemical-resistant high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) materials should be selected.

Safety Precautions

attention should be paid to safety during storage and use of pentylene glycol. Although pentanediol toxicity is low, but still need to avoid direct contact with the skin and eyes, such as accidental contact should immediately rinse with plenty of water. Wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves and goggles during operation. When dealing with large-scale storage, adequate ventilation should be provided to prevent vapor accumulation from causing potential safety hazards.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, pentanediol has excellent physical and chemical properties and broad application prospects. From the selection of upstream raw materials, the optimization of production processes to the diversification of downstream products, pentanediol plays an important role in various fields. In the future, with the progress of technology and the growth of market demand, the application field and market scale of pentanediol are expected to be further expanded. Therefore, strengthening the research and development of pentanediol, optimizing the production process and application technology will help to enhance its industrial value and market competitiveness.