1,5-Pentanediol

1,5-Pentanediol is the organic compound with the formula HO(CH$5$)$12$OH. Like other diols, this viscous colourless liquid is used as plasticizer and also forms polyesters that are used as emulsifying agents and resin intermediates.

Synthesis and reactions
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.

Contamination of Bindeez
A toy called Bindeez (Aqua Dots in North America) was recalled by the distributor in November 2007 because of the unauthorized substitution of 1,5-pentanediol with 1,4-butanediol. The toy consists of small beads that stick to each other upon sprinkling 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 about US$1,350–2,800/tonne, while the price for 1,5-pentanediol is about US$9,700/tonne.