Pentaerythritol

Pentaerythritol (CAS 115-77-5) is a polyol building block used across coatings, lubricants, and polymer manufacturing. Its four reactive hydroxyl groups make it a high-functionality platform for esterification and crosslinking reactions. It is commercially recognized under the abbreviation PE in industrial supply chains. In alkyd resin production, it reacts with fatty acids and phthalic anhydride to produce resins used in decorative and industrial paints.

Esterified with rosin or tall oil, it produces tackifiers and binders for printing inks and adhesives. In synthetic lubricant formulations, its esters deliver high thermal stability in aviation and industrial gear oils. Performance under extreme temperature is a procurement specification for these lubricants. As a building block for hindered phenol antioxidants, it protects polyolefins, PVC, and rubber compounds during processing.

Pentaerythritol is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules. Two principal commercial grades are available: mono-pentaerythritol with minimum 98% purity and technical-grade blends containing di-pentaerythritol. These grades are specified for certain resin and ester applications. Food-contact and FCC-compliant grades are available for applications where regulatory documentation is required for the supply chain.