The use of straight (in modified engines) or blended alcohols with fossil fuel provides an attractive alternative fuel for internal combustion engines. Moreover, alcohol can be produced by biorefineries, thus reducing the use of fossil resources. However, main achievements in this field correspond to the use of short-chain alcohols, like ethanol, while there is little experience with higher alcohols. In this work, the performance of a direct-injection diesel engine, without any modifications, fueled with 1-pentanol/diesel fuel blends has been evaluated. Blends with 10% pentanol/90% diesel fuel, 15% pentanol/85% diesel fuel, 20% pentanol/80% diesel fuel and 25% pentanol/75% diesel fuel (v/v) were tested and engine performance results were compared with those provided by neat diesel fuel. Experimental results showed insignificant engine power, brake thermal efficiency and brake-specific fuel consumption variations when the engine was fueled with the majority of the blends instead of straight diesel fuel. Moreover, statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the blends and diesel fuel (EN 590) tests. During engine starting, no difficulties were experienced and the engine performed satisfactorily on the blends throughout the entire test. On the basis of this study, pentanol/diesel fuel blends can be considered acceptable diesel fuel alternatives if exhaust emissions and long-term engine tests show acceptable results. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.