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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