Chemicals and Solvents

What is pentane?

Pentane (C5H1 ) is a natural, organic compound that comes in a colorless liquid. It is naturally volatile, has a gas-like odor, and is similar to the chemical Butane. Pentane naturally occurs in crude oil and also a by-product of natural gas production.

Chemical Properties: Solubility, molar mass, and molecular density for Pentane

Pentane (C5H1) CAS #109-66-0 is an alkane with five carbon atoms. The boiling point of pentane ranges from 9°C to 36 °C, which is consistent with alkanes as they tend to have lower boiling points.

Pentane has a melting point of -130°C, a molar mass of 72.15 grams/mole, and a molecular density of 0.626 g mL−1.

Cautions when using Pentane

Caution should be exercised at all times when working with Pentane. Proper PPE (personal protective equipment) should be worn at all times when handling the chemical. Protective eyewear, gloves, and long sleeves or outer lab wear should be worn.

Pentane can adversely affect the skin and eyes when in contact with them. Pentane is a skin irritant, and prolonged, unprotected exposure can cause redness, dryness, blistering, and cracking of the skin. If Pentane comes in contact with exposed skin, users should immediately remove contaminated clothing, and wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. If inhaled, it can also irritate the nose and throat. Moderate exposure can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Prolonged respiratory exposure to high levels can potentially cause the build-up of fluid in the lungs. If pentane comes into direct contact with the eyes, immediately flush with large amounts of water for 15 minutes.

Pentane is a highly flammable liquid, making it a fire hazard. Proper storage and usage of the chemical are key to ensure workplace and user safety. Pentane may react violently with some oxidizing agents and is not compatible with strong acids. Pentane may also attack some forms of plastic, rubber, and coatings. Pentane should be stored in non-reactive metal containers. Non-sparking tools and equipment should be used when handling, transporting, and opening containers of pentane. If spilled, treat and dispose of pentane as hazardous waste.

Top 5 Uses of Pentane

Pentane is a cost-effective liquid that has several different industrial and laboratory applications.

1. Laboratory Solvents

They are the most volatile liquid alkanes (at room temperature). Because of this, they are commonly used in laboratories as solvents. Although, due to their lack of functionality and non-polarity, they only dissolve other nonpolar and alkyl-rich compounds. Pentanes are miscible with other solvents like ethers, aromatics, and chlorocarbons.

2. Chromatography

Pentane is commonly used in chromatography - which is a laboratory technique to separate components in a mixture. The mixture is passed in a suspension or solution through a medium where the components each move at different rates.

3. Blowing Agent

Pentane is used as the primary blowing agent in the production of foams like polystyrene. A blowing agent is a substance that is capable of producing a cellular structure through a foaming process. These foams are often used as insulating material in refrigerators and heating pipes

4. Binary Fluid

Because of its low boiling point, pentane is used in geothermal power stations as a binary fluid.

5. Industrial Ingredient Uses

Due to its ready availability and low cost, pentane is also used as a solvent in many common products like pesticides. It can also be used in making other chemicals, plastics, and low-grade thermometers. Acid-catalyzed isomerization can produce isopentane, which can be used in making fuels.

Where can you purchase Pentane?

Pentane is available for purchase from Lab Pro’s official website. Pentane is available in liquid form from 1 gallon to 5-gallon quantities. It is also available in a distilled form.

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