The chemical formula for Neopentyl glycol is C5H12O2. The crystalline substance is synthesized industrially by the aldol reaction of formaldehyde and isobutyraldehyde, which creates the intermediate hydroxypivaldehyde. This can be converted to Neopentyl glycol with either excess formaldehyde or catalytic hydrogenation of the aldehyde group to an alcohol group. Neopentyl glycol is soluble in water, benzene, chloroform, and very soluble in ethanol and diethyl ether.