Pentane

About Pentane

In IUPAC nomenclature, Pentane refers specifically to the straight-chain 5-carbon alkane, also known as n-pentane. However, the name Pentane can sometimes refer to the two branched-form isomers of C₅H₁₂, which are methylbutane (isopentane) and dimethylpropane (neopentane).

Unsurprisingly, Pentane exhibits similar chemical properties to the neighboring alkanes, Hexane and Butane, and as such is useful as a laboratory solvent (e.g. liquid chromatography mobile phase) and a fuel additive. Petane, which lacks functional groups and polarity, solubilizes only other non-polar substances, and is miscible with other nonpolar solvents. Other common applications for pentane include its use as a blowing agent for polymer production, or as an ingredient in adhesives, cleaning reagents, and lighter fluids.

Pentane is one of the major components of light straight-run (LSR) gasoline fraction obtained from crude oils. By using a metal catalyst, n-Pentane can be conveniently converted to iso-Pentane, which can be used to improve the octane number of fuels.

Common Uses and Applications

• Laboratory solvent
• Lighter fluids
• Gasoline additive
• Adhesives
• Cleaning reagent
• Polymer production

Industries that use Pentane

• Research Laboratories
• Polymer Industry
• Pharmaceutical Industry