In addition to being a component of natural gas, pentane has numerous industrial uses. Primarily, pentane is used to create a blowing agent which is then used to create a foam known as polystyrene. Polystyrene is used to make insulation materials for refrigerators and heating pipes.
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.
Molecular formula C5H12
Linear formula CH3(CH2)3CH3
The Simplified molecular-input line-entry system (SMILES) CCCCC
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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