14pentadiene

14pentadiene, or 1,4-pentadiene, is an acyclic hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C5H8. Its structure features two carbon–carbon double bonds at the 1 and 4 positions, giving CH2=CH-CH2-CH=CH2. This non-conjugated diene differs from the more common conjugated isomer 1,3-pentadiene.

Nomenclature and relationships: The preferred IUPAC name is 1,4-pentadiene. It is an isomer of 1,3-pentadiene (piperylene), which has its double bonds in a conjugated arrangement.

Occurrence and synthesis: 1,4-Pentadiene is not produced on a large industrial scale. It may appear in small amounts as a byproduct in certain hydrocarbon-processing streams or be prepared in laboratory or specialized chemical-synthesis contexts to yield non-conjugated dienes. Its handling in research and small-scale production focuses on controlled methods to minimize unintended polymerization.

Properties: It is typically a colorless, volatile liquid or gas at room temperature, depending on pressure. The compound is flammable and has limited water solubility, with greater solubility in organic solvents. Like other dienes, it can undergo polymerization and oxidation in air; storage often requires stabilizers and caution to prevent rapid polymerization or peroxide formation.

Reactivity and applications: As a non-conjugated diene, 1,4-pentadiene participates in standard diene-related reactions but may be less reactive in certain cycloaddition processes than conjugated dienes such as 1,3-pentadiene. It is mainly of interest as a reactive intermediate in organic synthesis and in studies involving dienes, rather than as a large-scale commodity chemical.

See also: 1,3-pentadiene (piperylene).