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.
Chemical Properties
colourless liquid
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 C4?C6 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.
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.
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.
