n-Pentane is a hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C5H12. It is used as a solvent, fuel, and blowing agent for foam insulation. Its boiling point is 36°C.
| IUPAC Name | Pentane |
| Molecular Formula | C5H12 |
| CAS Number | 109-66-0 |
| Synonyms | n-Amylhydride, Skellysolve A, Amyl hydride, Pentyl hydride, UN 1265 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C5H12/c1-3-5-4-2/h3-5H2,1-2H3 |
n-Pentane Properties
Pentane boiling point
Pentane has a boiling point of 36.07°C (97.13°F) at standard pressure (1 atm). It is a volatile and flammable liquid that evaporates readily at room temperature. Its low boiling point makes it useful as a blowing agent for foam insulation and as a fuel for internal combustion engines.
Pentane formula
The chemical formula of pentane is C5H12. It is a straight-chain alkane and belongs to the group of hydrocarbons. The formula indicates the number and type of atoms present in a molecule of pentane. The formula of pentane is important in determining its behavior in various applications, such as its reactivity with other substances.
Pentane molar mass
The molar mass of pentane, also known as normal-Pentane, is 72.15 g/mol. It is a straight-chain alkane and has five carbon atoms with 12 hydrogen atoms. Its molar mass is calculated by adding the atomic weights of carbon and hydrogen in the molecule. The molar mass of pentane is important in determining the amount of the compound required in various chemical reactions.
Pentane melting point
Pentane has a melting point of -129.8°C (-201.6°F). It is a colorless liquid at room temperature and pressure, but it can freeze into a solid at low temperatures. The melting point of pentane is important in determining its behavior in various applications, such as refrigeration and heat transfer.
Pentane density g/ml
The density of pentane is 0.63 g/mL at 20°C. It is a less dense liquid compared to water, and it floats on the surface of water. The density of pentane is important in determining its behavior in various applications, such as mixing with other liquids and its suitability as a fuel.
Pentane molecular weight
The molecular weight of pentane is 72.15 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule of pentane. The molecular weight of pentane is important in determining its behavior in various applications, such as its solubility in various solvents.
Pentane structure
Pentane has a linear, unbranched structure with five carbon atoms and 12 hydrogen atoms. It is a saturated hydrocarbon and belongs to the group of alkanes. Each carbon atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, except for the two end carbons, which are bonded to three hydrogen atoms.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.626 – 0.63 at 20°C |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Gasoline-like odor |
| Molar Mass | 72.15 g/mol |
| Density | 0.63 g/mL at 20°C |
| Melting Point | -129.8°C (-201.6°F) |
| Boiling Point | 36.07°C (97.13°F) |
| Flash Point | -49°C (-56.2°F) |
| Water Solubility | 17.5 mg/L at 20°C |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 380 mmHg at 25°C |
| Vapour Density | 2.5 (air=1) |
| pKa | ~45 |
| pH | Not applicable |
n-Pentane Safety and Hazards
n-Pentane is a flammable liquid and can form explosive mixtures with air. It poses a fire and explosion hazard and should be handled with care. It can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and prolonged exposure may cause dizziness and headaches. It is important to use proper personal protective equipment when handling n-Pentane. In case of fire, use appropriate extinguishing agents, such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical powder. It is also important to store n-Pentane in a cool, well-ventilated area and away from sources of ignition.
| Hazard Symbols | F, Xi |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. Use only non-sparking tools. Keep container tightly closed. Do not breathe vapor. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Use only in a well-ventilated area. In case of fire, use appropriate extinguishing agents. |
| UN IDs | UN1265 |
| HS Code | 2901.10.00 |
| Hazard Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | May cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure may cause dizziness and headaches. |
n-Pentane Synthesis Methods
Refining petroleum is the primary method of producing n-Pentane. It is a straight-chain hydrocarbon and is one of the major components of gasoline. There are several methods for the synthesis of n-Pentane:
Cracking of Petroleum: To obtain n-Pentane from petroleum, we can crack it using fractional distillation, a process that heats crude oil to separate its components based on their boiling points. We can then separate n-Pentane from other hydrocarbons that boil within the range of 30-40°C.
Isomerization: Isomerization is the process of converting one hydrocarbon into another with the same molecular formula but a different structure. Isomerization of pentenes produces n-Pentane as a byproduct. The petrochemical industry commonly uses this method.
Hydrogenation: Hydrogenation of pentenes is another method of synthesizing n-Pentane. To synthesize n-Pentane from pentenes, we can react with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst, which is typically a metal like nickel or platinum. The reaction produces n-Pentane as a byproduct.
Dehydration of 1-Pentanol: We can also synthesize n-Pentane from 1-pentanol by dehydrating it using an acid catalyst like sulfuric acid. This reaction produces n-Pentene, which we can then hydrogenate to obtain n-Pentane.
n-Pentane Uses
n-Pentane has a variety of uses in various industries. Here are some of the main applications:
- Solvent: Used as a solvent for oils, waxes, and resins in the paint and coatings industry. Adhesives, inks, and rubber use it as a solvent.
- Blowing Agent: Used as a blowing agent in the production of foam insulation, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS).
- Chemical Intermediate: Used as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as pentanol, pentanoic acid, and pentanal.
- Fuel: Used as a fuel in some gasoline blends, typically as a blending component to increase octane levels.
- Calibration Standard: Used as a calibration standard in gas chromatography.
- Extraction: Used in the extraction of edible oils, such as soybean oil, and in the extraction of natural products, such as essential oils from plants.
- Laboratory Research: Used in laboratory research as a solvent and as a reference material for gas chromatography.
Questions:
Q: The molecular formula of pentane is c5h12. which is the molecular formula of an isomer of pentane?
A: 2-methyl butane (also known as isopentane) has the molecular formula C5H12 and is an isomer of pentane.
Q: Is pentane polar?
A: No, pentane is nonpolar because it contains only nonpolar carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds and has a symmetrical molecular shape.
Q: Which of the following is the most soluble in water? acetic acid pentanol butanoic acid pentanal
A: Acetic acid is the most soluble in water due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
Q: Is pentane soluble in water?
A: No, pentane is insoluble in water due to its nonpolar nature and inability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
Q: Does n-pentane have hydrogen bonding?
A: No, n-pentane does not have hydrogen bonding because it lacks hydrogen atoms bonded to electronegative atoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine.