Isopentane, also called methylbutane or 2-methylbutane, is a branched-chain saturated hydrocarbon with five carbon atoms, with formula C₅H₁₂ or CH(CH₃). Isopentane is an extremely volatile and extremely flammable liquid at room temperature and pressure. It is also the least dense liquid at standard conditions. The normal boiling point is just a few degrees above room temperature and isopentane will readily boil and evaporate away on a warm day.
Isopentane
Boiling point: 81.86°F (27.70°C)
Density: 0.62 g/cm³
Chemical formula: C5H12
Average Molar mass: 72.15 g/mol
Classification: Alkane
Isopentane, 99% Technical Data Sheet
| Item | Unit | Specification | Test Result | Test Method |
| Appearance | – | clear colorless | clear colorless | Visual |
| Color-saybolt | – | +30min | +30 | ASTMD 156 |
| N-Pentane | Wt% | Report | 0.3 | GC |
| Iso-pentane | Wt% | 99 | 99.32 | GC |
| Hexane and heavier | Wt% | 0.5 max | 0.32 | GC |
| Butane and lighter | Wt% | 0.5 max | 0.01 | GC |
| Benzene | ppm | 10max | 0 | GC |
| Total Oleffines | mg/kg | 20max | 2 | GC |
| Total Sulfur | ppm | 1max | <1 | ASTM D5453 |
| Bromine Index | mgBr/100g | 10max | 4 | ASTM D2710 |
| Water | ppm | 20max | 10 | Karl-fisher |
| Non volatile matter | mg/100mL | 0.5max | 0.01 | ASTM D1353 |
| Sp. Gr(60F/60F) | – | 0.61-0.65 | 0.62 | ASTMD4052 |
isopentane 78-78-4 MSDS
| Name: | 2-Methylbutane 99+% Material Safety Data Sheet |
| Synonym: | Ethyldimethylmethane; Isoamyl Hydride; Isopentane; 1,1,2-Trimethylethane |
| CAS: | 78-78-4 |
Section 1 – Chemical Product MSDS Name:2-Methylbutane 99+% Material Safety Data Sheet
Synonym:Ethyldimethylmethane; Isoamyl Hydride; Isopentane; 1,1,2-Trimethylethane
Section 2 – COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Hazard Symbols: XN F+ N
Risk Phrases: 12 51/53 65 66 67
Section 3 – HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Extremely flammable. Toxic to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed. Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking. Vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Potential Health Effects
Eye:
May cause eye irritation. Vapors may cause eye irritation.
Skin:
May cause skin irritation. Prolonged and/or repeated contact may cause defatting of the skin and dermatitis.
Ingestion:
Aspiration hazard. May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause liver damage. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to respiratory failure.
Inhalation:
Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea, headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Inhalation of vapor may cause respiratory tract irritation.
Irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. May cause cardiac abnormalities.
Chronic:
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause defatting and dermatitis.
Section 4 – FIRST AID MEASURES
Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.
Skin:
Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists.
Ingestion:
If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.
Get medical aid immediately.
Inhalation:
Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Get medical aid.
Notes to Physician:
Section 5 – FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
General Information:
As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Vapors can travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Extremely flammable. Material will readily ignite at room temperature. Water may be ineffective. Material is lighter than water and a fire may be spread by the use of water. Liquid will float and may reignite on the surface of water.
Extinguishing Media:
For small fires, use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or chemical foam.
Section 6 – ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks:
Remove all sources of ignition. Absorb spill using an absorbent, non-combustible material such as earth, sand, or vermiculite. Do not use combustible materials such as saw dust. Provide ventilation.
Section 7 – HANDLING and STORAGE
Handling:
Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use with adequate ventilation. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame.
Storage:
Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
Refrigeration has been recommended.
Section 8 – EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION
Engineering Controls:
Use process enclosure, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to control airborne levels below recommended exposure limits. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
Personal Protective Equipment Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA’s eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166.
Skin:
Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing:
Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators:
Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Section 9 – PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Physical State: Liquid
Appearance: clear, colorless
Odor: Gasoline-like odor
pH: Not available.
Vapor Pressure: 990 mbar @20 deg C
Viscosity: Not available.
Boiling Point: 30 deg C @ 760mm Hg
Freezing/Melting Point: -160 deg C
Autoignition Temperature: 420 deg C ( 788.00 deg F)
Flash Point: -51 deg C ( -59.80 deg F)
Explosion Limits, lower: 1.40 vol %
Explosion Limits, upper: 7.60 vol %
Decomposition Temperature:
Solubility in water: insoluble
Specific Gravity/Density: .6200g/cm3
Molecular Formula: C5H12
Molecular Weight: 72.15
Section 10 – STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Chemical Stability:
Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.
Conditions to Avoid:
High temperatures, ignition sources.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials:
Oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
Section 11 – TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
RTECS#:
CAS# 78-78-4: EK4430000 LD50/LC50:
Not available.
Carcinogenicity:
2-Methylbutane – Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NIOSH, NTP, or OSHA.
Other:
See actual entry in RTECS for complete information.
Section 12 – ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Section 13 – DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Dispose of in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local regulations.
Section 14 – TRANSPORT INFORMATION
IATA
Shipping Name: PENTANES
Hazard Class: 3
UN Number: 1265
Packing Group: I
IMO
Shipping Name: PENTANES
Hazard Class: 3.1
UN Number: 1265
Packing Group: I
RID/ADR
Shipping Name: PENTANES
Dangerous Goods Code: 3(1A)
UN Number: 1265
Section 15 – REGULATORY INFORMATION
European/International Regulations
European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
Hazard Symbols: XN F+ N
Risk Phrases:
R 12 Extremely flammable.
R 51/53 Toxic to aquatic organisms; may cause
long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
R 65 Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed.
R 66 Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or
cracking.
R 67 Vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Safety Phrases:
S 9 Keep container in a well-ventilated place.
S 16 Keep away from sources of ignition – No
smoking.
S 29 Do not empty into drains.
S 33 Take precautionary measures against static
discharges.
S 61 Avoid release to the environment. Refer to
special instructions/Safety data sheets.
S 62 If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek
medical advice immediately and show this container or
label.
WGK (Water Danger/Protection)
CAS# 78-78-4: 1
United Kingdom Occupational Exposure Limits
Canada
CAS# 78-78-4 is listed on Canada’s DSL List.
CAS# 78-78-4 is not listed on Canada’s Ingredient Disclosure List.
Exposure Limits
CAS# 78-78-4: OEL-DENMARK:TWA 500 ppm (1500 mg/m3)
OEL IN BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN, KOREA check ACGIH TLV
OEL IN NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGI TLV
US FEDERAL
TSCA
CAS# 78-78-4 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
SECTION 16 – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A