Chemical name: Pentaerythritol
Synonyms: Tetramethylolmethane, THME, PETP, Monopentaerythritol
CAS: 115-77-5
EINECS: 204-104-9
Molecular formula: C₅H₁₂O₄
Molecular weight: 136.15
Specification:
| Item | Standard |
| Assay | 98% min |
| Hydroxyl value | 48.5% min |
| Moisture | 0.2% max |
| Ash | 0.05% max |
Usage:
- Alkyd resins (largest application): Reacts with fatty acids and phthalic anhydride to produce high-performance alkyd resins for paints, varnishes, and industrial coatings. Pentaerythritol alkyds deliver superior hardness and durability compared to glycerol-based alkyds
- Synthetic lubricants: Pentaerythritol esters (POEs) are the base fluid for aviation turbine oils, refrigeration compressor lubricants (compatible with HFC/HFO refrigerants), and high-performance gear oils
- Rosin and tall oil esters: Tackifiers for hot-melt adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, rubber compounding, and printing inks
- Flame retardants: Carbon source in intumescent coatings for structural steel — forms a protective char layer when exposed to heat, improving fire resistance ratings
- Explosives: PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) is a high-performance military and commercial explosive used in detonators and shaped charges
- UV-curable coatings: Pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) is a multifunctional crosslinker in UV/EB-curable coatings and ink formulations
Packing: 25 kg per paper bag with PE inner liner; 500 kg or 1000 kg bulk bags available.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources. Minimum shelf life: 2 years.
Related Products
Further Reading: Pentaerythritol: Applications in Alkyd Resins, Lubricants, and Flame Retardants
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Applications
Pentaerythritol’s four hydroxyl groups make it an exceptionally versatile polyol for polymer synthesis. In the coatings industry, alkyd resins based on pentaerythritol offer superior drying performance, hardness, and gloss retention compared to glycerol-based alkyds, making them preferred for decorative and industrial paints. Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), synthesised by nitration, is a high-power explosive used in detonating cord and medical applications (vasodilator). In lubricant manufacturing, pentaerythritol esters (POE oils) are used as base oils for synthetic aviation turbine lubricants and refrigeration compressor oils due to their excellent thermal stability and low pour points. Flame retardant formulations incorporate pentaerythritol as a carbonisation promoter in intumescent coatings and char-forming synergists. UV-curable coatings use pentaerythritol acrylate monomers as reactive oligomers for rapid hardening. Pentaerythritol diphosphite is used as a secondary antioxidant and hydrolytic stabiliser in polyolefins, polyesters, and engineering plastics during processing.