Pentaerythritol is a tetrol and primary alcohol structurally based on neopentane, with one methyl hydrogen of each of the four methyl groups substituted by hydroxy groups. Derived from neopentane hydride, it serves as an important chemical intermediate for explosives, plastics, paints, appliances and cosmetics, and also functions as a laxative and flame retardant. It is commonly applied as a fire retardant in plastics and intumescent paints and coatings. When heated, pentaerythritol releases water and forms thermally insulating char deposits to achieve fire resistance.