Pentaerythritol is a polyol used in the fabrication of PETN and varnishes.
It can be prepared by condensation of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde in an basic environment. The process occurs by successive aldol condensations followed a Cannizaro reaction.
CH3CHO + 4 CH2O + 1/2 Ca(OH)2 -> C(CH2OH)4 + 1/2 (HCOO)2Ca
