1-Pentanol, (or n-pentanol, pentan-1-ol), is an alcohol with five carbon atoms and the molecular formula C5H11OH. 1-Pentanol is a colorless liquid with an unpleasant aroma. It is the straight-chain form of amyl alcohol, one of 8 isomers with that formula.

The hydroxyl group (OH) is the active site of many reactions. The ester formed from 1-pentanol and butyric acid is pentyl butyrate, which smells like apricot. The ester formed from 1-pentanol and acetic acid is amyl acetate (also called pentyl acetate), which smells like banana.

Pentanol can be used as a solvent for coating CDs and DVDs. Pentanol has all the properties necessary to replace gasoline as an internal combustion fuel.

Pentanol can be prepared by fractional distillation of fusel oil. To reduce the use of fossil fuels, research is underway to develop cost-effective methods of producing (chemically identical) bio-pentanol with fermentation.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org