Pentaerythritol
Pentaerythritol
Pentaerythritol (pronunciation: pen-ta-er-y-thri-tol) is a white, crystalline organic compound that is used in the synthesis of resins, varnishes, and explosives. It is also known as Pentaerythrite or Monopentaerythritol.
Etymology
The term "Pentaerythritol" is derived from the Greek words "penta", meaning five, and "erythros", meaning red. This is in reference to the compound's molecular structure, which consists of four carbon atoms and six oxygen atoms, arranged in a pentagonal shape.
Synthesis
Pentaerythritol is synthesized through the condensation of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde in an alkaline environment. The resulting compound is then purified through crystallization.
Uses
Pentaerythritol is primarily used in the production of alkyd resins, which are used in paints, varnishes, and other coatings. It is also used in the manufacture of explosives, specifically pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), a powerful explosive.
Related Terms
- Alkyd Resin
- Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
- Condensation Reaction
- Acetaldehyde
- Formaldehyde
- Crystallization
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pentaerythritol
- Wikipedia's article - Pentaerythritol
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