pentaerythritol, also known as tetramethylmethane, is an important basic raw material for the production of alkyd resins. The molecular formula is Ca10H2O26P2, which is a white octagonal crystal. The melting point is 260 degrees Celsius, the boiling point is 276 degrees Celsius (3990 pa), the relative density is 1.39925, and the refractive index is 1.54 ~ 1.56. It is easy to be esterified by common organic acids and does not react with dilute caustic soda solution. Soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, insoluble in benzene, ether and petroleum ether. It reacts with nitric acid to form oxalic acid, and with chromium trioxide to form formic acid and carbon dioxide. Low toxic and flammable.
The pentaerythritol is mainly used in the coating industry to produce alkyd resin coatings, which can improve the hardness, luster and durability of the coating film. It also uses raw materials for rosin, such as coloring paints, varnishes and printing inks, and can make drying oils, smoldering coatings and floating lubricants. The fatty acid esters of pentaerythritol are efficient lubricants and plasticizers of polyvinyl chloride, and its epoxy derivatives are raw materials for the production of nonionized surfactants. Pentaerythritol readily forms complexes with metals and is also used as a hard water softener in detergent formulations. In addition, it is also used in the production of medicine and pesticides. Pentaerythritol contains four equal hydroxymethyl groups in the molecule, which has a high degree of symmetry, so it is often used as a raw material for the preparation of multifunctional compounds. Pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) can be obtained by esterification and used as paint.
Flame retardant used as a adhesive, with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) can be used to obtain an expansive flame retardant. It is also used as a crosslinker for polyurethanes, providing branch chains within polyurethanes. The chemical is produced by the condensation of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde under alkaline conditions. It is mainly used for preparing alkyd resins and some coating components.