Substance profile
Pentane
Pentane is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Pentane is
Pentane is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C5H12 and its molecular weight is 72.15 g/mol. It boils at 36.1 °C, melts at -130 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th degree.
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 |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly 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
Pentane 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 | 36.06 °C (96.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 36.11 °C (97 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 36.11 °C (97 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -129.67 °C (-201.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| -130 °C (-202 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.63 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.6262 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.626 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone, benzene, chloroform; soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| 0.04% | NIOSH | ||
| In water, 38 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 420 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 514 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 400 mmHg | at 18.5 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | -49.44 °C (-57 °F) | NIOSH | |
| -49 °C (-56.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 260 °C (500 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 7.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.48 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 2.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 2.2 ppm | HSDB | |
| Odor threshhold: 6.6 mg/cu m (low) and 3000 mg/cu m (high) | HSDB | ||
| Odor index @ 20 °C= 570 | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 196.55 °C (385.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Pentane
Storage conditions
Storage temp: ambient. Venting: open (flame arrester) or pressure-vacuum.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Strong oxidizers.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
N-PENTANE is incompatible with strong oxidizers. It is also incompatible with strong acids, alkalis, and oxygen. Mixtures with chlorine gas have produced explosions. It will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Pentane in the storage compatibility matrix →