3-Pentanol

Chemical Properties

colourless liquid

Chemical Properties

Amyl alcohols (pentanols) have eight isomers. All are flammable, colorless liquids, except the isomer 2,2- dimethyl-1-propanol, which is a crystalline solid.

Uses

3-Pentanol is widely used as a flavoring agent. It is biogenic oxygenated volatile organic compound (BOVOC) and is used as a reagent in the synthesis of pure bromopentanes for infrared standards.

Uses

3-Pentanol can be used as:

• A starting material for the preparation of liquid crystals, 1-ethylpropyl (R)-2-[4-(4′-alkoxybiphenylcarbonyloxy)-phenoxy]propionates by reacting with chiral (S)-lactic acid.
• Solvent/reductant in the catalytic deoxydehydration reaction of C₄C₆ sugar alcohols into linear polyene using methyltrioxorhenium as a catalyst.
• A reactant for the synthesis of 3-(4-bromophenyloxy)pentane by reacting with 4-bromophenol via base-catalyzed Mitsunobu reaction.

Definition

ChEBI: A secondary alcohol that is pentane substituted at position 3 by a hydroxy group.

Potential Exposure

(n-isomer); Suspected reprotoxic hazard, Primary irritant (w/o allergic reaction), (iso-, primary): Possible risk of forming tumors, Primary irritant (w/o allergic reaction), (sec-, active primary-, and other isomers) Primary irritant (w/o allergic reaction). Used as a solvent in organic synthesis and synthetic flavoring, pharmaceuticals, corrosion inhibitors; making plastics and other chemicals; as a flotation agent. The (n-isomer) is used in preparation of oil additives, plasticizers, synthetic lubricants, and as a solvent.

Shipping

UN2811 Pentanols, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3- Flammable liquid. UN1987 Alcohols, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.

Purification Methods

Reflux the alcohol with CaO, distil, then reflux it with magnesium and again fractionally distil it. [Beilstein 1 IV 1662.]

Incompatibilities

Forms an explosive mixture with air. Contact with strong oxidizers and hydrogen trisulfide may cause fire and explosions. Incompatible with strong acids. Violent reaction with alkaline earth metals forming hydrogen, a flammable gas.

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.