Substance profile
Isopentane
Isopentane is a volatile liquid or gas with a pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Isopentane is
Isopentane is a volatile liquid or gas with a pleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C5H12 and its molecular weight is 72.15 g/mol. It boils at 27.8 °C, melts at -160 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th degree.
Other names for Isopentane
- 2-methylbutane
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H224 | Extremely flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H304 | May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. |
| H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH066
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P273, P391, P403, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Isopentane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 27.83 °C (82.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| 27.78 °C (82 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 28 °C (82.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -159.8 °C (-255.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -159.89 °C (-255.8 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -160 °C (-256 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.6201 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.6 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| 0.62 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water | HSDB | |
| In water, 48 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 49.6 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 689 mmHg | OSHA | |
| 595 mmHg | at 21.1 °C | DOE PAC | |
| 592.549 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | -51 °C (-59.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -56.67 °C (-70 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 420 °C (788 °F) | HSDB | |
| 426.67 °C (800 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 7.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.48 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 400.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor threshold from ACGIH | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 187.25 °C (369.1 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Isopentane
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature 2-8 °C Refrigerate before opening. Handle and open container with care.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ISOPENTANE is a fire and explosion hazard when in contact with oxidizing agents. (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Isopentane in the storage compatibility matrix →