P

Pentane

IUPAC: pentane

C5H12 Organic Compounds CAS 109-66-0
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC5H12
CAS Number109-66-0
Molecular Weight72.15
Melting Point-202 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point97 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.626 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceN-pentane appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point 57 °F. Boiling point 97 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are h...
Also Known Asn-Pentane; 109-66-0; Pentan; Skellysolve A; Pentanen; Pentani; Amyl hydride; Tetrafume; Tetrakil; Tetraspot
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Pentane?

Pentane is a straight chain alkane consisting of 5 carbon atoms. It has a role as a non-polar solvent and a refrigerant. It is a volatile organic compound and an alkane.

Formula & Notation

C5H12

IUPAC Name: pentane

Other Names / Synonyms: n-Pentane; 109-66-0; Pentan; Skellysolve A; Pentanen; Pentani; Amyl hydride; Tetrafume; Tetrakil; Tetraspot

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: N-pentane appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point 57 °F. Boiling point 97 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are h.... Molecular formula: C5H12. Molecular weight: 72.15 g/mol. Boiling point: 97 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -202 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.626 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 400 mmHg at 65.3 °F ; 426 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 3.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-202 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point97 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.626 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight72.15
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceN-pentane appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point 57 °F. Boiling point 97 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are h...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Pentane
Formula C5H12
CAS Number 109-66-0
Molecular Weight 72.15
Synonyms n-Pentane; 109-66-0; Pentan; Skellysolve A; Pentanen; Pentani; Amyl hydride; Tetrafume; Tetrakil; Tetraspot

Frequently Asked Questions

Pentane is a straight chain alkane consisting of 5 carbon atoms. It has a role as a non-polar solvent and a refrigerant. It is a volatile organic compound and an alkane.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.