Pentaerythritol

Pentaerythritol is a polyol used in the fabrication of PETN and varnishes.

It can be prepared by condensation of ethanal and methanal in an alkaline environment. The process follows a Cannizaro reaction.

CH₃CHO + 4CH₂OH + Ca(OH)₂ + H₂O -> (HCOO)₂Ca + C(CH₂OH)₄