1,2,5-Pentanetriol from TCI is an aliphatic polyol with a five-carbon chain carrying three hydroxyl groups, on carbons 1, 2, and 5. The first two groups form a vicinal 1,2-diol unit, and the third sits at the opposite end of the chain. In the laboratory, it serves as a versatile non-heterocyclic building block for organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and the preparation of cyclic derivatives. Because one molecule contains both primary and secondary hydroxyl groups, it offers many routes to selective chemical modification.
Chemists choose this compound for its distinctive hydroxyl pattern. The 1,2-diol unit can be selectively protected as a cyclic acetal or ketal, which leaves the hydroxyl group at position 5 free for further modification. The spacing between the hydroxyl groups at C2 and C5 also allows intramolecular cyclization to substituted tetrahydrofuran rings, a motif often found in natural products. As a triol, the compound is highly polar and dissolves readily in polar solvents. It can also act as a branching monomer in the preparation of polyesters or polyurethanes.
In Indonesia, this material is useful to organic chemistry and natural product chemistry laboratories, as well as polymer and materials research groups at universities and research institutions. Synthetic chemists can use it as a starting material for multistep routes that need selective protection and deprotection of hydroxyl groups. Polymer researchers can explore it as a branching unit in condensation polymers. Teaching laboratories can also use it to demonstrate the different reactivity of primary and secondary alcohols and the strategy behind cyclic acetal protection.
- Selective protection chemistry: the vicinal 1,2-diol unit can be converted into a cyclic acetal or ketal, which leaves the primary hydroxyl at C5 available for selective downstream reactions.
- Synthesis of substituted tetrahydrofurans: the spacing between the C2 and C5 hydroxyl groups allows intramolecular cyclization into tetrahydrofuran rings, a structural motif common in natural products.
- Polyester and polyurethane research: with three hydroxyl groups, the molecule can act as a branching monomer that introduces branch points and crosslinking into condensation polymer networks.
- Multistep organic synthesis: having both primary and secondary hydroxyl groups in one molecule gives chemists several handles for oxidation, esterification, etherification, and other selective modifications.
- Teaching and method development: the clear difference between its primary and secondary hydroxyl groups makes it a useful model substrate for studying chemoselectivity and protecting-group strategies in academic laboratories.
| Brand | TCI (product code P1350) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 14697-46-2 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Building Blocks > Non-Heterocyclic Building Blocks |
| Pack sizes | please ask AMI Scientific which pack sizes are currently available |
| Physical form | please check the TCI product label and certificate of analysis |
| Storage | keep the container tightly closed in a cool, dry place, following TCI's recommendations |
Store 1,2,5-Pentanetriol in its original tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and strong oxidizing agents. Polyols with several hydroxyl groups can absorb moisture from the air, so close the container promptly after each use. If you transfer the material, use a clean, dry, chemically compatible glass or suitable plastic container with a clear label. Handle it with standard laboratory precautions: wear safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and a lab coat. Work in a well-ventilated area, avoid contact with skin and eyes, and do not eat or drink in the work area. Always read the Safety Data Sheet supplied by TCI before use, and follow local regulations when disposing of waste.
—
