C5H12O4

C5H12O4 is a molecular formula representing a class of saturated, oxygen-containing organic compounds with five carbon atoms and four oxygen atoms. The formula corresponds to a family with zero degrees of unsaturation, meaning all possible structures are acyclic and contain only single bonds between carbon and other atoms.

The most notable compound with this formula is pentaerythritol, whose structure is a central quaternary carbon attached to four CH2OH groups (C(CH2OH)4). Pentaerythritol is a crystalline, colorless solid that is highly versatile as a polyol. It is widely used as a building block in alkyd and polyester resins, as a crosslinking agent, and as a starting material for other chemical syntheses. It is also a precursor to pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), an explosive obtained by nitration of pentaerythritol.

Beyond pentaerythritol, the formula C5H12O4 admits other constitutional isomers that satisfy the same elemental composition, including various diol and triol derivatives and ether-linked structures. These isomers, while less common or specialized, illustrate the diversity possible within a single molecular formula.

Safety and handling considerations vary by specific compound. While pentaerythritol itself is used in consumer and industrial products, derivatives such as PETN are highly energetic explosives and require strict safety controls. General chemical-handling principles apply, including avoidance of ignition sources for sensitive materials and appropriate storage away from oxidizers.