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Flame retardants

Pentaerythritol

Also known as 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol, Pentek, Tetramethylolmethane

CAS 115-77-5Formula C5H12O4Molar mass 136.15 g/molEC 204-104-9
181 suppliers listed
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Pentaerythritol chemical structure, C5H12O4, CAS 115-77-5
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Ditetragonal crystals from dilute hydrochloric acid
Melting point
258 °C
Boiling point
276 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.4
Flash point
Ca. 240
HS code
290542
Category
Flame retardants
Illustrative photo, closed blue fibre drums on a pallet in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Pentaerythritol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Pentaerythritol is a tetrol that is neopentane in which one of the methyl hydrogens of all four methyl groups are replaced by hydroxy groups. It is a chemical intermediate used in the production of explosives, plastics, paints, appliances, and cosmetics. It has a role as a laxative and a flame retardant. It is a primary alcohol and a tetrol. It derives from a hydride of a neopentane.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol
CAS number
115-77-5 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 1632063-92-3, 334974-06-0
EC numbers
204-104-9, 618-127-0, 859-492-8
Molecular formula
C5H12O4
UNII
SU420W1S6N
MDL number
MFCD00004692
INCI name
PENTAERYTHRITOL
InChIKey
WXZMFSXDPGVJKK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C5H12O4/c6-1-5(2-7,3-8)4-9/h6-9H,1-4H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(C(CO)(CO)CO)O

Synonyms

  • 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol
  • Pentek
  • Tetramethylolmethane
  • Auxinutril
  • Maxinutril
  • Monopentek
  • Pentaerythrite
  • Penetek
  • Metab-Auxil
  • Monopentaerythritol
  • Hercules P6
  • Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)methane
  • 2,2-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol
  • Methane tetramethylol
  • pentaerithrityl
  • Tetrahydroxymethylmethane
  • 1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-
  • Auxitrans
  • THME
  • PE 200
  • Tetrahydroxymethylolmethane
  • PETP
  • tetra(hydroxymethyl)methane
  • Pentaerythritol-13C
  • 1,1,1-Tris(hydroxymethyl)ethanol
Show all 37 synonyms
  • Pentaerythrital
  • Charmor PM 15
  • Auxenutril
  • Pentaertyhritol
  • Hydrafuca
  • Hercules Mono-PE
  • Auxitrans (TN)
  • mono pentaerythritol
  • Pentaerythritol, CP
  • tetramethylol methane
  • Pentaerythritol, 98%
  • Pentaerythritol, 99%

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Ditetragonal crystals from dilute hydrochloric acidexp.
Odour
Odorlessexp.
Melting point
258 °Cexp.
Boiling point
276 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.4exp.
Flash point
Ca. 240exp.
Autoignition temperature
390 to 490exp.
Solubility
1 gram dissolves in 18 mL water at 15 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
Vapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C: 0.013exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
136.15 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
136.0736 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-2.06calc.
Topological polar surface area
80.92 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
4calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
4calc.
Rotatable bonds
4calc.
Heavy atoms
9calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS classification
Hazard pictograms

Hazard statements

  • H412Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (2)
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Pentaerythritol suppliers

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All 181 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

181 suppliers in 36 countries

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Pentaerythritol price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

In synthetic resins, in paint and varnish industries.

Alkyd resins, rosin and tall oil esters, special varnishes, pharmaceuticals, plasticizers, insecticides, synthetic lubricants, explosives, paint swelling agents.[Lewis RJ Sr, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th ed Wiley (2007).

Chemical profile: Pentaerythritol. Pentaerythritol is used in alkyd resins, radiation cure monomers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) stabilizers, polyurethanes, rosin esters, synthetic lubricants, pigment treatment, antioxidants, and explosives.

Industrial uses: Filler, Flame retardant, Surface modifier, Adhesion/cohesion promoter, Intermediate, Heat stabilizer, Other.

Consumer uses: Surface modifier, Filler, Flame retardant.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name PENTAERYTHRITOL(humectant, skin conditioning)

Roles

  • flame retardant
  • laxative
  • pharmaceutical

Functional uses

  • Flame retardant
  • Humectant
  • Softener and conditioner

Cosmetic functions

  • Humectant
  • Skin conditioning

How it is made

Chemical profile: Pentaerythritol. Commercial production is from formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

Chemical profile: Pentaerythritol. The synthesis of pentaerythritol involves reacting four moles of formaldehyde and one mole of acetaldehyde in two differentiated steps. The first is an aldol condensation to give pentaerythritose. Then, the aldehyde obtained is subjected to a crossed Cannizzaro reaction, whereby one molecule of the pentaerythritose is reduced to pentaerythritol, which is then separated.

Read more

The raw pentaerythritol is dissolved again and subjected to high temperature acid hydrolysis, then purified in an activated carbon bed, concentrated and crystallized.

Reaction of acetaldehyde with an excess of formaldehyde in an alkaline medium.[Lewis RJ Sr, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th ed Wiley (2007)

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Pentaerythritol is traded under.

HS 2905.42Exact HS code

Alcohols: polyhydric, pentaerythritol

World exports in 2024
$213M
−11.0% vs 2023, imports $329M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China45.8%
  2. Germany26.5%
  3. France * partner reported17.1%
Top importers
  1. United States16.6%
  2. Italy14.3%
  3. South Korea5.5%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Pentaerythritol is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Pentaerythritol, based on the data on this page

What is Pentaerythritol?

Pentaerythritol is a tetrol that is neopentane in which one of the methyl hydrogens of all four methyl groups are replaced by hydroxy groups. It is a chemical intermediate used in the production of explosives, plastics, paints, appliances, and cosmetics. It has a role as a laxative and a flame retardant.

What is the CAS number of Pentaerythritol?

The CAS registry number of Pentaerythritol is 115-77-5. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 1632063-92-3, 334974-06-0.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Pentaerythritol?

The molecular formula of Pentaerythritol is C5H12O4 and its molar mass is 136.15 g/mol.

What is Pentaerythritol used for?

In synthetic resins, in paint and varnish industries. Alkyd resins, rosin and tall oil esters, special varnishes, pharmaceuticals, plasticizers, insecticides, synthetic lubricants, explosives, paint swelling agents.[Lewis RJ Sr, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th ed Wiley (2007).

Is Pentaerythritol hazardous?

Pentaerythritol has a GHS hazard classification. Main hazards: harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Pentaerythritol?

Pentaerythritol is usually classified under HS code 290542 (Pentaerythritol). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Pentaerythritol?

CompoundList lists 181 suppliers of Pentaerythritol in China, United States, India, Canada and 32 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Pentaerythritol in India?

24 suppliers in India list Pentaerythritol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Pentaerythritol?

Suppliers quote Pentaerythritol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Pentaerythritol

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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