The condensed formula of pentan-1-ol is CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OH.
Pentan-1-ol, also known as n-pentanol or 1-pentanol, is a straight-chain primary alcohol. It is an organic compound that features a five-carbon chain with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the first carbon atom, making it a primary alcohol.
Understanding Condensed Formulas
A condensed formula provides a streamlined way to represent organic molecules. Instead of drawing every bond between atoms, it groups atoms together, especially hydrogen atoms, with the carbon atom they are attached to. This simplifies the visual representation of complex structures while retaining essential connectivity information.
For pentan-1-ol, the condensed formula CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OH illustrates its linear structure:
- CH₃: Represents the methyl group at one end of the carbon chain.
- CH₂: Each of the four subsequent methylene groups forms part of the backbone, indicating a continuous chain.
- OH: The hydroxyl group, characteristic of all alcohols, is attached to the final carbon in this linear sequence.
Chemical Properties and Classification
Pentan-1-ol has the molecular formula C₅H₁₂O. It is classified as a primary alcohol because the carbon atom bonded to the hydroxyl group is connected to only one other carbon atom. This compound is a colorless liquid and is recognized by its distinctive aroma. Pentan-1-ol is one of eight different isomeric alcohols that share the molecular formula C₅H₁₁OH (which translates to C₅H₁₂O), each having the same atoms but arranged in different structural configurations.
Summary of Pentan-1-ol Formulas
| Type of Formula | Representation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Condensed Formula | CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂OH | Shows the sequence of atoms and grouped hydrogens without displaying all bonds. |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₁₂O (or C₅H₁₁OH) | Indicates the total count of each type of atom present in the molecule. |
Applications
Pentan-1-ol is a versatile chemical used in various industrial and commercial applications:
- Solvent: It serves as an effective solvent for a range of substances, including oils, fats, waxes, and resins.
- Chemical Intermediate: It is frequently used in the synthesis of other chemicals, notably esters, which find use as flavoring agents, fragrances, and plasticizers.
