Pentaerythritol is an alcohol containing four hydroxyl groups obtained from the aldol condensation process of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Pentaerythritol is an odorless, light yellow crystalline powder soluble in water. Pentaerythritol has different derivatives such as pentaerythritol esters, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, pentaerythritol tri-acrylate and dipentaerythritol. Pentaerythritol esters are an environment friendly substitute for electrical transformer fluids as they are biodegradable and less hazardous in water. Properties such as high flash point and low volatility offer resistance to ignition and make pentaerythritol an ideal substitute for dielectric fluids used in transformers.

Pentaerythritol is used in many applications in the automotive industry including high grade lubricants, interiors, coatings, etc. It is also used in the synthesis of polyurethane foams, which are further used in automobile interiors. The demand from emerging economies like China and India is driving growth of the automobile industry. Population growth, increase in disposable incomes, and easy loan schemes are key drivers of the market. These key driving factors have also led to greater demand in housing and a significant growth in construction sites. A burgeoning middle class, increasing income levels, coupled with government initiatives such as tax benefits towards loans for housing, has led to a surge in growth in the construction industry globally. However, increase in demand for acetaldehyde and formaldehyde for other applications will lead to their supply shortage which is further expected to hinder pentaerythritol market.

Alkyd paints dominated the market with 37.6% volume share of the total pentaerythritol demand in 2011. These paints are used in the construction industry and are expected to show significant growth in Asia-Pacific, especially in developing nations such as India and China. Alkyd paints was followed by alkyd inks which have usage in coatings, automobiles and interior decoration. Alkyd adhesives and sealants and plasticizers together accounted for over 20% of the total market in 2011. Plasticizers market is expected to be the fastest growing market at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2012 to 2018. Alkyd varnishes and radiation cure coatings accounted for 8.3% and 6.3% of the total market in 2011, respectively. Changing lifestyles in emerging economies like China and India, is affecting the market of both the applications. Growth in the automobile industry and the need for eco-friendly lubricants to reduce ozone depletion is expected to drive the market for pentaerythritol-based lubricants. Other applications of pentaerythritol and its derivatives include medicines, pesticides, etc. Some of the more innovative applications of pentaerythritol derivatives are in the treatment of heart diseases, where it has fewer side effects than conventional drugs.

Asia-Pacific dominated the global pentaerythritol market and accounted for 42.2% share in 2011. The growing demand and production of pentaerythritol in China and India coupled with the growing construction and automobile industry is expected to push the global demand for pentaerythritol. China is a major producer as well as the largest consumer of pentaerythritol and its derivatives. Europe and North America together accounted for almost 50% of the global demand. Rest of the World which includes Brazil, Africa, Middle East, etc. was the smallest market in 2011, due to slow technological progress and poor life style of people in the region.

The global market for pentaerythritol was highly concentrated with top four participants in the market accounting for 51.9% in 2011. The market was mainly dominated by Perstorp, Hubei Yihua Group, Ercros, Mitsui Chemical, etc.