pentaerythrose
Pentaerythrose, also known as pentaerythritol, is a polyol compound with the molecular formula C5H12O4. It is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water and many organic solvents. Pentaerythrose is produced industrially by the hydrogenation of furfural, a compound derived from the dehydration of fructose. It is used as a building block in the synthesis of various chemicals, including explosives, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. In the pharmaceutical industry, pentaerythrose is used as a solvent and as a component in the formulation of certain medications. It is also used in the production of polyester resins and as a plasticizer in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products. Pentaerythrose is non-toxic and has a low order of toxicity, making it a safe compound for many industrial and medical applications. Its versatility and wide range of uses make it an important chemical in various industries.