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Pentane

CAS No.
109-66-0
Chemical Name:
Pentane
Synonyms
N-PENTANE;PETANE;Pentan;1-Pentane;N-PENTAN;n-C5H12;NORMAL PENTANE;R601;NP80;PENTANE
CBNumber:
CB6288989
Molecular Formula:
C5H12
Lewis structure
c5h12 lewis structure
Molecular Weight:
72.15
MDL Number:
MFCD00009498
MOL File:
109-66-0.mol
MSDS File:
SDS
TDS File:
TDS
Last updated:2026-08-25 20:17:46

Pentane Properties

Melting point -130 °C
Boiling point 36 °C
Density 0.626 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
vapor density 2.48 (vs air)
vapor pressure 26.98 psi ( 55 °C)
refractive index n20/D 1.358
Flash point −57 °F
storage temp. Store at +5°C to +30°C.
solubility ethanol: soluble(lit.)
form Liquid
pka >14 (Schwarzenbach et al., 1993)
Specific Gravity 0.63
color Colorless
Relative polarity 0.009
Odor Like a gasoline.
Odor Threshold 1.4ppm
Evaporation Rate 28.6
explosive limit 1.4-8%(V)
Water Solubility insoluble
Thermal Conductivity 0.1119 W/(m·K) at 25 ℃
Specific Heat Capacity Cp(liquid): 2.32 J/(g·K), at 25℃
λmax λ: 200 nm Amax: ≤0.70
λ: 210 nm Amax: ≤0.20
λ: 220 nm Amax: ≤0.07
λ: 230 nm Amax: ≤0.02
λ: 250 nm Amax: ≤0.004
Merck 14,7116
BRN 969132
Henry's Law Constant 1.20 at 25 °C (Jnsson et al., 1982)
Dielectric constant 1.8(20℃)
Exposure limits ACGIH:TLV-TWA 1000 ppm (2950 mg/m3)
OSHA:PEL-TWA 1000 ppm (2950 mg/m3)
NIOSH:REL-TWA 120 ppm; REL-Ceiling 610 ppm [15-min]
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions SOLVENT
PROPELLANT
InChI 1S/C5H12/c1-3-5-4-2/h3-5H2,1-2H3
InChIKey OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES CCCCC
LogP 3.390
Surface tension 15.93mN/m at 293.15K
Indirect Additives used in Food Contact Substances PENTANE
CAS DataBase Reference 109-66-0(CAS DataBase Reference)
FDA 21 CFR 178.3010
EWG's Food Scores 1-2
FDA UNII 4FEX897A91
NIST Chemistry Reference Pentane(109-66-0)
EPA Substance Registry System Pentane (109-66-0)
UNSPSC Code 41116107
NACRES NB.21

SAFETY

Risk and Safety Statements

Symbol(GHS)  Flame (GHS02)Exclamation Mark (GHS07)Health Hazard (GHS08)Environment (GHS09)
GHS02,GHS07,GHS08,GHS09
Signal word  Danger
Hazard statements  H320-H335-H336-H304-H411-H225
Precautionary statements  P501-P261-P273-P240-P210-P233-P243-P241-P242-P271-P264-P280-P370+P378-P391-P331-P337+P313-P305+P351+P338-P303+P361+P353-P301+P310-P304+P340+P312-P403+P233-P403+P235-P405
target organs Central nervous system
Hazard Codes  F+,Xn,N,F
Risk Statements  12-51/53-65-66-67
Safety Statements  9-16-29-33-61-62
OEB A
OEL TWA: 120 ppm (350 mg/m3), Ceiling: 610 ppm (1800 mg/m3) [15-minute]
RIDADR  UN 1265 3/PG I/II (PENTANES, liquid)
WGK Germany  2
RTECS  RZ9450000
3-10
Autoignition Temperature 500 °F
TSCA  TSCA listed
HazardClass  3
PackingGroup  II
HS Code  29011090
Storage Class 3 - Flammable liquids
Hazard Classifications Aquatic Chronic 2
Asp. Tox. 1
Flam. Liq. 2
STOT SE 3
Hazardous Substances Data 109-66-0(Hazardous Substances Data)
Toxicity LC (in air) in mice: 377 mg/l (Fühner)
IDLA 1,500 ppm [10% LEL]
REACH Registrations Active
Limited Quantities 1.0 L (0.3 gallon) (liquid)
Excepted Quantities Max Inner Pack (30g or 30ml) and Max Outer Pack (500g or 500ml)
NFPA 704
4
1 0

Pentane price More Price(170)

Manufacturer Product number Product description CAS number Packaging Price Updated Buy
Sigma-Aldrich PX0170 Pentane 109-66-0 4L $352 2026-04-30 Buy
Sigma-Aldrich PX0170 Pentane 109-66-0 20L $1530 2026-04-30 Buy
Sigma-Aldrich PX0170 Pentane 109-66-0 127kg $4450 2026-04-30 Buy
Sigma-Aldrich 8.20957 n-Pentane EMPLURA? 109-66-0 1L $139 2026-04-30 Buy
Sigma-Aldrich 8.20957 n-Pentane EMPLURA? 109-66-0 2.5L $290 2026-04-30 Buy
Product number Packaging Price Buy
PX0170 4L $352 Buy
PX0170 20L $1530 Buy
PX0170 127kg $4450 Buy
8.20957 1L $139 Buy
8.20957 2.5L $290 Buy

Pentane Chemical Properties, Uses, Production

Chemical Properties

n-Pentane is a flammable liquid. It has applications in industry as an aerosol propellant and as an important component of engine fuel.
	Pentane
pentane lewis structure
N-propane is a CNS depressant. Studies with dogs have indicated that it induces cardiac sensitization. In high concentrations it causes incoordination and inhibition of the righting refl exes.
N-pentane is being used primarily in Europe in integral-skin flexible foams. Pentane is twice as effective as CFC-11 as a blowing agent.

Chemical Properties

Pentane is a colorless liquid. Gas above 36C. Gasoline-like odor.

Physical properties

Clear, colorless, volatile liquid with an odor resembling gasoline. An odor threshold concentration of 1.4 ppmv was reported by Nagata and Takeuchi (1990).

Uses

n-Pentane occurs in volatile petroleum fractions(gasoline) and as a constituent ofpetroleum ether. It is used as a solvent, in themanufacture of low-temperature thermometers,and as a blowing agent for plastics.

Uses

n-Pentane is a flammable liquid. It has diverse uses in industry—for instance, as an aerosol propellant and as an important component of engine fuel. n-Pentane is a CNS depressant. Laboratory studies in dogs indicate that prolonged exposure to high concentrations of n-pentane induces cardiac sensitization, poor coordination, and inhibition of the righting reflexes. NIOSH has recommended limits of n-pentane for working areas.

Uses

Fuel; solvent; chemical synthesis

Production Methods

Pentane is produced by fractional distillation of natural gas liquids and crude oil. It is also produced by the catalytic crackdown of naphtha.

Definition

A straightchain alkane obtained by distillation of crude oil.

Definition

pentane: A straight-chain alkanehydrocarbon, C5H12; r.d. 0.63; m.p.–129.7°C; b.p. 36.1°C. It is obtainedby distillation of petroleum.

General Description

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 heavier than air.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Pentane is incompatible with strong oxidizers. Pentane is also incompatible with strong acids, alkalis, and oxygen. Mixtures with chlorine gas have produced explosions. Pentane will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. .

Health Hazard

n-Pentane did not exhibit any marked toxicityin animals. However, inhalation ofits vapors at high concentrations can causenarcosis and irritation of the respiratorypassages. Such effects may be observedwithin the range 5–10% concentration inair. In humans, inhalation of 5000 ppm for10 minutes did not cause respiratory tractirritation or other symptoms (Patty and Yant1929).
There is no report in the literature indicatingany adverse effects from pentaneother than narcosis and irritation. An intravenousLD50 value in mouse is recorded as446 mg/kg (NIOSH 1986).

Fire Hazard

Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode

Flammability and Explosibility

Extremely flammable

Chemical Reactivity

Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reaction; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by inhalation and intravenous routes. Narcotic in high concentration. The liquid can cause blisters on contact. Flammable liquid. Highly dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidizers. Severe explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Shock can shatter metal containers and release contents. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes

Potential Exposure

Pentane is used in manufacture of ice, low-temperature thermometers; in solvent extraction processes; as a blowing agent in plastics; as a fuel; as a chemical intermediate (for amylchlorides, e.g.).

Source

Schauer et al. (1999) reported pentane in a diesel-powered medium-duty truck exhaust at an emission rate of 1,860 μg/km.
A constituent in gasoline. Harley et al. (2000) analyzed the headspace vapors of three grades of unleaded gasoline where ethanol was added to replace methyl tert-butyl ether. The gasoline vapor concentrations of pentane in the headspace were 14.2 wt % for regular grade, 12.6 wt % for midgrade, and 9.3 wt % for premium grade.
California Phase II reformulated gasoline contained pentane at a concentration of 27.6 g/kg. Gas-phase tailpipe emission rates from gasoline-powered automobiles with and without catalytic converters were 4.29 and 536 mg/km, respectively (Schauer et al., 2002).
Schauer et al. (2001) measured organic compound emission rates for volatile organic compounds, gas-phase semi-volatile organic compounds, and particle-phase organic compounds from the residential (fireplace) combustion of pine, oak, and eucalyptus. The gas-phase emission rate of pentane was 4.7 mg/kg of pine burned. Emission rates of pentane were not measured during the combustion of oak and eucalyptus.

Environmental Fate

Biological. n-Pentane may biodegrade in two ways. The first is the formation of pentyl hydroperoxide, which decomposes to 1-pentanol followed by oxidation to pentanoic acid. The other pathway involves dehydrogenation to 1-pentene, which may react with water giving 1- pentanol (Dugan, 1972). Microorganisms can oxidize alkanes under aerobic conditions (Singer and Finnerty, 1984). The most common degradative pathway involves the oxidation of the terminal methyl group forming 1-pentanol. The alcohol may undergo a series of dehydrogenation steps forming an aldehyde (valeraldehyde) then a fatty acid (valeric acid). The fatty acid may then be metabolized by β-oxidation to form the mineralization products, carbon dioxide and water (Singer and Finnerty, 1984). Mycobacterium smegnatis was capable of degrading pentane to 2- pentanone (Riser-Roberts, 1992).
Photolytic. When synthetic air containing gaseous nitrous acid and pentane was exposed to artificial sunlight (λ = 300–450 nm) methyl nitrate, pentyl nitrate, peroxyacetal nitrate, and peroxypropionyl nitrate formed as products (Cox et al., 1980).
Chemical/Physical. Complete combustion in air yields carbon dioxide and water. Pentane will not hydrolyze because it does not contain a hydrolyzable functional group.

Shipping

UN1265 Pentanes Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.

Purification Methods

Stir the pentane with successive portions of conc H2SO4 until there is no further coloration during 12hours, then with 0.5N KMnO4 in 3M H2SO4 for 12hours, wash with water and aqueous NaHCO3. Dry it with MgSO4 or Na2SO4, then P2O5 and fractionally distil it through a column packed with glass helices. It is also purified by passage through a column of silica gel, followed by distillation and storage with sodium hydride. An alternative purification is by azeotropic distillation with MeOH, which is subsequently washed out from the distillate (using water), followed by drying and re-distilling. For removal of carbonyl-containing impurities, see n-heptane. Also purify it by fractional freezing (ca 40%) on a copper coil through which cold air is passed, then wash with conc H2SO4 and fractionally distil it. [Beilstein 1 IV 303.]

Toxicity evaluation

The mechanism of toxicity is suspected to be similar to other solvents that rapidly induce anesthesia-like effects, that is a ‘nonspecific narcosis’ due to disruption (solvation) of the integrity of the cellular membranes of the central nervous system. The effect is similar to the ‘high’ experienced upon exposure to other aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents.
As seen with other short-chain alkanes, upon inhalation, pentane is moderately toxic and may cause irritation of the respiratory tract and narcosis. The narcotic action of pentane (observed following 1-h exposure to 90 000–120 000 ppm) is, however, much less pronounced than effects seen following exposure to the C1–C4 alkanes. Although the actual biochemical mechanismof toxicity has not been discerned, the narcotic effects seen are most likely related to its physical solvent properties.

Incompatibilities

Vapors may form explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Attacks some plastics, rubbers, and coatings.

Toxics Screening Level

The initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for pentane is 17700 μg/m3 based on an 8-hour averaging time.

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.

Global Suppliers ( 518)
Supplier Tel Email Country ProdList Advantage
Tianjin Biaoshiqi Technology Development Co. , Ltd. 022-58951770 18622980460 974144341@qq.com China 18 58
SHANDONGQIANGSENHUAGONG 0533-18369966222-222 18369966222 3034942636@qq.com China 1071 58
Shandong Xuchen Chemical Technology Co. Ltd 0533-15715337262 15715337262 3523649491@qq.com China 880 58
Shandong Chongcheng Energy Technology Co., Ltd 18253333366 81505319@qq.com China 2162 58
ATNT (Shanghai) Life Science Co., LTD 19916715086 qingqing.wang@atntlife.com China 40 58
Meryer (Shanghai) Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. 4006356688 18621169109 market03@meryer.com China 40202 62
Alfa Aesar 400-6106006 saleschina@alfa-asia.com China 30103 84
TCI (Shanghai) Development Co., Ltd. 021-67121386 Sales-CN@TCIchemicals.com China 24512 81
Beijing dtftchem Technology Co., Ltd. 010-60275820 13031183356 elainezt@sina.com China 1386 62
Energy Chemical 400-0056266 sales8178@energy-chemical.com China 44850 61

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Related Questions

Ask a question
Q:Can it be used in polyurethane foam? What are its hazards?Zora - Apr 10,2026
A: Pentane is the most volatile liquid alkane at room temperature hence making them ideal to be used as laboratory solvent because it evaporates easily. It is a component of some fuels, such as gasoline, and it is also used as specialty solvents in the laboratory (NCBI, 2023). It is also used as a blowing agent during foam production. Pentane is a flammable liquid and a dangerous fire hazard. Pentane can affect you when inhaled and by passingthrough the skin. Contact can irritate and burn the skin and eyes.Inhaling Pentane can irritate the nose and throat. Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness,and passing out. lnhaling Pentane can irritate the lungs. Higher exposuresmay cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonaryedema), a medical emergency. Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause drying andcracking of the skin with redness and blisters. It may damage the nervous system.

View Latest Price from Pentane manufacturers

Image Update time Product Price Min. Order Purity Supply Ability Manufacturer
Pentane pictures 2026-05-15 Pentane
109-66-0
$1.10 1g 99.0% Min 100 Tons Shaanxi Didu New Materials Co. Ltd
Pentane pictures 2026-03-20 Pentane
109-66-0
$1.00 1KG 99% 10 mt Hebei Chuanghai Biotechnology Co., Ltd
Pentane pictures 2024-05-07 Pentane
109-66-0
$1300.00 1T 98% 20T Yujiang Chemical (Shandong) Co.,Ltd.
  • Pentane pictures
  • Pentane
    109-66-0
  • $1.10
  • 99.0% Min
  • Shaanxi Didu New Materials Co. Ltd
  • Pentane pictures
  • Pentane
    109-66-0
  • $1.00
  • 99%
  • Hebei Chuanghai Biotechnology Co., Ltd
  • Pentane pictures
  • Pentane
    109-66-0
  • $1300.00
  • 98%
  • Yujiang Chemical (Shandong) Co.,Ltd.
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