Pentane is an organic compound which is a clear colourless liquid. The odour of pentane is similar to petroleum. It is less dense than the water and is insoluble in water. It is also known as quintane and n-pentane. The rotatable bond count of pentane is 2.
Following is the table of formulas of pentane:
| Molecular formula | C5H12 |
| Linear formula | CH3(CH2)3CH3 |
| The Simplified molecular-input line-entry system (SMILES) | CCCCC |
Structure Of Pentane
The structure of pentane is a straight-chain with 5 carbon atoms.
Properties Of Pentane
The properties of pentane are similar to butane and hexane. Following is the table of properties of pentane:
| IUPAC name | pentane |
| Molecular formula | C5H12 |
| Molecular mass | 72.151 g/mol |
| Melting point | -130.5 to -129.1℃ |
| Boiling point | 35.9 to 36.3℃ |
| Density | 0.626 g/mL |
| Appearance | Colourless liquid |
| Refractive index | 1.358 |
| Viscosity | 0.240 mPa.s at 20℃ |
Isomers Of Pentane
There are three structural isomers of pentane and they are:
- n-pentane is the first isomer which is a straight chain with a normal structure of pentane.
- 2-methylbutane is the second isomer which is a branched-chain structure in which one carbon atom is connected to three other carbon atoms.
- 2,2-dimethylpropane is the third isomer which is a branched-chain structure in the central carbon atom is connected to four other carbon atoms.
Uses Of Pentane
- It is used in the production of polystyrene foam.
- Isopentane which is obtained by acid-catalysed isomerisation is used in producing high-octane fuels.
- It is used in geothermal power stations as a working medium in Rankine cycle.
- It is also used in liquid chromatography.
- At room temperature, pentanes are volatile liquid and inexpensive. They are used as a laboratory solvent.
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