1,5-Pentanediol
1,5-Pentanediol is the organic compound with the formula HOOH. Like other diols, this viscous, colorless liquid is used as a plasticizer and also forms polyesters, which are used as emulsifying agents and resin intermediates.
1,5-Pentanediol is produced by hydrogenation of glutaric acid and its derivatives. It can also be prepared by hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. 1,4-Pentadiene can be prepared from 1,5-pentadiol via the diacetate.
A toy called Bindeez was recalled by the distributor in November 2007 due to the unauthorized substitution of 1,5-pentanediol with 1,4-butanediol. The toy consists of small beads that stick to each other when sprinkled with water. 1,4-Butanediol, which when ingested is metabolized to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, was detected by GC-MS. ChemNet China lists the price of 1,4-butanediol at between US$1,350–2,800/tonne, while the price for 1,5-pentanediol is about US$9,700/tonne.