Pentanal Explained

Pentanal (also called valeraldehyde) is the organic compound with molecular formula . Classified as an alkyl aldehyde, it is a colorless volatile liquid. Its odor is described as fermented, bready, fruity, nutty, berry.[1]

Production

Pentanal is obtained by hydroformylation of butene. Also C4 mixtures can be used as starting material like the so-called raffinate II, which is produced by steam cracking and contains (Z)- and (E)-2-butene, 1-butene, butane and isobutane. The conversion to the product is accomplished with synthesis gas in the presence of a catalyst consisting of a rhodium-bisphosphite complex and a sterically hindered secondary amine with a selectivity toward pentanal of at least 90%.[2]

Use

Pentanal undergoes the reactions characteristic of any alkyl aldehyde, i.e., oxidations, condensations, and reductions. 2-Octanone, produced for use in the fragrance industry, is obtained by the condensation of acetone and pentanal, followed by hydrogenation of the alkene.[3]

2-Propyl-2-heptenal is obtained from pentanal by aldol condensation, which is hydrogenated to the saturated branched 2-propylheptanol. This alcohol serves as a starting material for the PVC plasticizer di-2-propylheptyl phthalate (DPHP).

Pentanal (valeraldehyde) is oxidized to give valeric acid.

References

  1. Web site: Valeraldehyde, 110-62-3.
  2. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/WO2009146985.html Patent WO 2009/146985 der Evonik Oxeno GmbH
  3. Book: 10.1002/14356007.a15_077. Ketones . Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry . 2000 . Siegel . Hardo . Eggersdorfer . Manfred . 9783527306732 .