Cyclopentane has rapidly become the preferred zero‑ODP, low‑GWP blowing agent for polyurethane foam systems, replacing HCFC‑141b across global insulation and refrigeration supply chains. As environmental regulations tighten and OEMs shift toward sustainable materials, procurement teams are prioritizing high‑purity, stable, and compliant Cyclopentane sourcing.

This article provides a clear, data‑driven overview of the global and Chinese Cyclopentane supply landscape, helping B2B buyers evaluate manufacturers and secure long‑term supply reliability.

Global Cyclopentane Market Overview

The global Cyclopentane market is shaped by several structural trends:

• APAC dominates production, driven by large-scale C5 hydrocarbon cracking capacity and integrated petrochemical chains.
• North America and Europe lead demand, particularly in refrigeration, cold-chain equipment, and building insulation.
• Environmental policies continue to accelerate the transition toward low‑GWP blowing agents, positioning Cyclopentane as the industry standard.

Procurement teams typically require the following certifications and documentation:

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
• REACH compliance for EU imports
• Full COA, MSDS, and TDS
• Hazmat-compliant packaging and transport documentation

Top Global Cyclopentane Manufacturers (No Names Listed)

Global Cyclopentane production is concentrated among three major categories of suppliers:

1. Integrated Petrochemical Groups

• Operate large-scale C5 processing units
• Offer high-purity Cyclopentane suitable for premium PU foam systems
• Maintain multi-region logistics networks for stable long-term supply

2. Specialized Hydrocarbon Processing Companies

• Focus on C5 derivatives and specialty hydrocarbons
• Known for consistent purity, low moisture, and tight quality control
• Provide strong export documentation and regulatory compliance

3. Regional Mid-Sized Producers

• Located across Asia, Middle East, and South America
• Offer flexible supply options and competitive regional pricing
• Suitable for buyers with localized production needs

Top Cyclopentane Manufacturers in China (No Names Listed)

China is the global hub for Cyclopentane production due to:

• The world’s largest C5 cracking capacity
• Highly integrated upstream and downstream petrochemical chains
• Competitive production costs
• Mature export logistics for ISO tanks and drums

China’s Cyclopentane supply landscape can be categorized into four major producer groups:

1. Large National Petrochemical Systems

• Extremely high production capacity
• Suitable for long-term, high-volume contracts
• Offer industrial-grade and high-purity Cyclopentane

2. Shandong C5 Deep-Processing Cluster

• China’s most mature C5 industrial zone
• Produces both 95% blowing-agent grade and 98%+ high-purity grade
• Strong export capabilities to Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia

3. Northeast Refinery-Integrated Producers

• Stable upstream raw material supply
• Known for consistent quality and low moisture levels
• Provide complete export documentation and compliance support

4. East China Coastal Chemical Producers

• Located near major ports for fast shipment
• Offer flexible packaging options (ISO tanks, steel drums)
• Ideal for buyers requiring short lead times

Comparison Table — China Cyclopentane Supply Landscape

Supplier Type	Capacity	Purity Grades	Packaging	Ideal Buyer Profile
National Petrochemical Systems	Very large	Industrial / High purity	ISO tanks	Large OEMs, long-term contracts
Shandong C5 Cluster	Large	95%, 98%+	ISO tanks / Drums	Importers in Middle East & Asia
Northeast Integrated Producers	Medium	95%+, 98%+	Drums / ISO tanks	High-consistency PU systems
East China Coastal Producers	Medium	95–98%	Multiple formats	Buyers needing fast delivery

Critical Sourcing Factors for B2B Buyers

When evaluating Cyclopentane suppliers, procurement teams should focus on the following:

1. Purity & Moisture Control

• 95%: Standard blowing-agent grade
• 98%+: High-purity grade for advanced PU systems
• Moisture target: ≤50 ppm to ensure optimal foam cell structure

2. Packaging & Logistics

Cyclopentane is a flammable liquid requiring strict compliance:

• ISO tanks for 20–100 MT bulk shipments
• Steel drums for smaller or multi-modal shipments
• Compliance with UN1993, IMDG, and regional hazmat regulations

3. Regulatory & Export Compliance

Ensure suppliers provide:

• REACH registration for EU shipments
• SGS / CIQ inspection support
• Full COA, MSDS, TDS, and export documentation

Conclusion & Call to Action

Securing reliable Cyclopentane supply requires balancing capacity, purity, compliance, and logistics performance. China remains the global center of Cyclopentane production, offering competitive pricing and strong export capabilities — but selecting a high-quality, compliant, and stable manufacturer is essential to avoid production risks.

If you are planning to source high‑purity Cyclopentane for refrigeration, insulation, or solvent applications:

Looking for a dependable Cyclopentane supplier? Contact our chemical sourcing experts for specifications, technical support, and a competitive quotation.

In EPS manufacturing, the blowing‑agent blend directly determines bead expansion behavior, density stability, and final block quality. One of the most common operational questions is whether Isopentane can be blended with n‑Pentane — and what ratio delivers the best results.

Short answer: Yes. Isopentane and n‑Pentane are frequently blended for EPS, typically in 80/20, 75/25, or 70/30 ratios depending on seasonal conditions and density targets.

Why EPS Producers Blend Isopentane and n‑Pentane

The blend works because the two hydrocarbons have complementary boiling points:

• Isopentane — lower boiling point Provides early vapor pressure and faster initial bead expansion. Ideal for warm climates or when rapid pre‑expansion is required.
• n‑Pentane — higher boiling point Offers controlled, sustained expansion, helping maintain bead integrity and preventing over‑expansion.

Together, they create a stable, predictable pre‑expansion window, giving EPS producers tighter control over:

• Bead density
• Cell structure
• Fusion quality
• Cycle time consistency

This is why most EPS plants adjust ratios seasonally:

• 80/20 blend — summer, high ambient temperatures
• 75/25 blend — balanced all‑season performance
• 70/30 blend — cooler seasons, tighter density control

Risks of Improper Blending

Incorrect ratios or poorly mixed pentane can cause serious production issues:

• Bead collapse from excessive vapor pressure
• Poor surface finish due to uneven cell formation
• Density inconsistency across batches
• Longer cycle times caused by unstable expansion curves

Even small ratio deviations can shift the expansion profile enough to affect block quality.

Why Many EPS Plants Prefer Pre‑Blended Pentane

To eliminate variability, many manufacturers rely on pre‑blended pentane mixes produced under controlled conditions. This ensures:

• Accurate ratio consistency
• Tight boiling‑range control
• Low oxygen and CO₂ content
• Uniform expansion behavior across batches

Our Pentane Solutions for EPS Producers

We supply high‑purity, pre‑blended pentane formulations engineered specifically for EPS applications:

• Standard blends: 80/20, 75/25, 70/30
• Custom ratios available
• ISO‑tank, IBC, or drum delivery
• Batch‑tested for boiling range, purity, and expansion performance

If your EPS line requires stable density, clean surface finish, and predictable expansion, our blends are designed to deliver consistent results.

• Isopentane CAS number and chemical properties
• Cyclopentane / Isopentane Blend (50–50%)
• High‑Efficiency, Low‑Emission Blowing Agents Are Transforming Modern Manufacturing — n‑Pentane Leads the Way
• n‑Pentane Market Insights and Buyer Opportunities
• Segmented Market Report: Pentane, Hexane, Heptane and Pentane Blends in Malaysia

Introduction

High‑purity Isopentane is a critical hydrocarbon used in EPS foam production, geothermal ORC systems, specialty refrigerant blends, and laboratory solvent applications. For procurement teams and R&D engineers, securing consistent quality and dependable bulk Isopentane supply is essential to maintaining operational stability. As demand for efficient blowing agents and low‑boiling hydrocarbons increases, partnering with a certified Isopentane manufacturer becomes a key strategic decision.

Core Data: Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Chemical Name	Isopentane (2‑Methylbutane)
CAS Number	78‑78‑4
Molecular Formula	C5H12
Appearance	Colorless, volatile liquid
Purity Levels	Industrial grades: 95%, 98%; high‑purity grades available upon request

Chemical Properties & Industrial Benefits

Volatility and Boiling Point

With a boiling point near 27–28°C, Isopentane offers rapid vaporization and controlled expansion, making it highly effective as a blowing agent for EPS and PU foam systems. This ensures uniform cell structure, improved insulation performance, and predictable processing behavior.

Low Density and Solvency

Its low density and favorable solvency characteristics support applications in laboratory extraction, hydrocarbon blending, and refrigerant formulation. These properties provide buyers with stable evaporation profiles and compatibility across diverse industrial processes.

Thermal Stability

Isopentane’s reliable thermal behavior under controlled conditions makes it suitable for geothermal ORC cycles, where consistent vaporization is essential for efficient energy conversion.

Procurement & Logistics Safety

International buyers sourcing high‑purity Isopentane must ensure compliance with global transport and safety regulations. Due to its flammability and volatility, Isopentane is commonly shipped in:

• ISO tanks for large‑volume industrial consumption
• Steel drums for mid‑size or batch requirements
• Secure, UN/DOT‑compliant containers for safe handling and transit

Proper grounding, ventilation, and temperature‑controlled storage are required to maintain product integrity throughout transportation and on‑site usage.

Conclusion & B2B Call‑to‑Action

For procurement managers and technical teams evaluating Isopentane CAS 78‑78‑4 sourcing options, working with a certified supplier ensures consistent purity, safe logistics, and tailored blending solutions. Contact the sales team to request a quotation, obtain TDS/MSDS documentation, or discuss customized purity specifications aligned with your production requirements.

• High-Purity Isopentane & Pentane Series — Case Study in Fine Chemical Applications
• High‑Efficiency, Low‑Emission Blowing Agents Are Transforming Modern Manufacturing — n‑Pentane Leads the Way
• Isopentane
• What Are the Synonyms and Alternative Names of Isopentane (2‑Methylbutane)?
• Where to Buy n‑Heptane? High‑Purity Bulk Supply from a Trusted Manufacturer

n‑Pentane: A Key Blowing Agent Driving the Growth of PU/PIR Sandwich Panels in the Middle East

The Middle East is experiencing rapid expansion in construction, cold‑chain logistics, industrial facilities, and large‑scale warehousing. This growth is driving strong demand for PU and PIR sandwich panels—materials known for their insulation performance, structural strength, and long‑term durability.

Across the region, manufacturers of PU/PIR roof panels, wall panels, cold‑room panels, and high‑performance PIR boards are increasingly adopting high‑purity n‑Pentane as their primary blowing agent.

Why n‑Pentane Is Becoming the Preferred Choice

1. Compatible with PU and PIR Systems

Manufacturers in the region produce a wide range of products:

• PU roof and wall panels
• PIR fire‑rated insulation boards
• Cold‑room and refrigerated panels
• Pre‑insulated metal panels for industrial buildings
• Rockwool composite panels with pre‑foamed layers

n‑Pentane 95% provides stable reactivity, uniform foam structure, and broad formulation compatibility.

2. Suitable for Continuous and Discontinuous Lines

The Middle East uses both high‑capacity continuous PIR lines and flexible discontinuous PU panel lines.

n‑Pentane 95% performs consistently in both:

• Continuous lines: stable flow, precise density control
• Discontinuous lines: wide processing window
• Cold‑room panels: fine cell structure and low thermal conductivity

This versatility reduces formulation complexity and supports efficient production.

3. Environmentally Responsible

n‑Pentane offers clear environmental advantages:

• Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP = 0)
• Low Global Warming Potential
• Halogen‑free
• Compliant with international environmental standards

This is especially important for manufacturers exporting to Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

4. Improved Foam Structure and Thermal Performance

High‑purity n‑Pentane contributes to:

• Smaller, more uniform cell structure
• Lower thermal conductivity
• Higher mechanical strength
• Better long‑term insulation stability

These benefits are essential for buildings operating in extreme Middle Eastern temperatures.

Typical Applications in the Regional Sandwich Panel Industry

These examples reflect common applications without referencing any specific manufacturer:

• High‑performance PIR boards (continuous lines)
• PU roof and wall panels for industrial and commercial buildings
• Cold‑room and refrigerated panels
• Rockwool composite panels with pre‑foamed layers

n‑Pentane is widely used across all of these product categories.

Why Manufacturers Choose Our n‑Pentane 95%

• High purity and consistent quality
• Suitable for PU, PIR, and cold‑room panel systems
• ISO Tank and steel drum packaging options
• Full export documentation (COA, MSDS, TDS, DG certificates)
• Strong supply experience in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and surrounding markets

Supporting the Region’s Insulation and Construction Growth

As the Middle East continues to invest in energy‑efficient buildings, industrial infrastructure, and cold‑chain logistics, PU and PIR sandwich panels will remain essential materials.

n‑Pentane 95% plays a central role in enabling manufacturers to produce high‑performance, environmentally responsible insulation products.

We look forward to supporting more panel producers across the region with reliable, high‑quality blowing‑agent solutions.

Outbound Links

• https://polyurethane.americanchemistry.com
• https://www.pu-europe.eu
• https://www.iso.org/standard/
• https://www.energy.gov/energyefficiency

• n‑Pentane Market Insights and Buyer Opportunities
• Cyclopentane: The Smart Choice for PU Insulation
• Cyclopentane–Isopentane in Polyurethane Foam Manufacturing
• Cyclopentane: A Key Material Driving High-Efficiency Refrigerator Insulation
• Cyclopentane as a Blowing Agent: FAQ and Applications

As of April 28, 2025, the domestic price of Cyclopentane in China stands firm at RMB 11,200 per metric ton, approximately USD 1,555 per metric ton based on today’s official exchange rate (1 USD ≈ 7.2043 RMB).

After a significant adjustment in mid-April, the Cyclopentane market has remained stable for two consecutive weeks. This provides global buyers with a more predictable cost structure for sourcing.

Cyclopentane is a key blowing agent for polyurethane (PU) foam, extensively used in building insulation panels, refrigeration appliances, and cold chain logistics solutions. Stable pricing is crucial for industries targeting low-GWP and energy-efficient products. Global procurement teams are encouraged to leverage the current pricing stability for inventory planning and to mitigate risks linked to raw material price volatility during the second quarter of 2025.

Cyclopentane, PU Foam, Insulation Materials, Refrigeration Industry, Blowing Agents, Global Procurement, China Exports, April 2025, USD Price, RMB Price

Abstract

Refrigerators use blowing agents to create foam insulation that keeps the cold air inside. Traditionally, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were used as blowing agents, but they were banned due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer. Nowadays, hydrocarbons such as cyclopentane and cyclo/iso-pentane are widely used as alternatives. However, these two blowing agents have different physical and chemical properties that affect their performance and environmental impact. This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of cyclopentane and cyclo/iso-pentane as blowing agents for refrigerators, and provides some suggestions for choosing the best option.

Keywords

blowing agents, refrigerators, cyclopentane, cyclo/iso-pentane, foam insulation, energy efficiency, environmental impact

Introduction

Refrigerators are essential appliances that help us preserve food and beverages at low temperatures. To achieve this, refrigerators need to have a good insulation system that prevents heat transfer from the outside to the inside. One of the most common insulation materials used in refrigerators is polyurethane foam, which is formed by a chemical reaction between polyether polyol and isocyanate. The reaction releases heat, which is used to vaporize a blowing agent that expands the foam and creates air pockets. The air pockets act as thermal barriers that reduce heat conduction and convection.

However, not all blowing agents are equally effective and eco-friendly. Some of them, such as CFCs, have high ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP), meaning that they can damage the ozone layer and contribute to climate change. Therefore, CFCs were phased out by the Montreal Protocol in 1987, and replaced by other substances that have lower ODP and GWP. Among these alternatives, hydrocarbons such as cyclopentane and cyclo/iso-pentane have gained popularity due to their low cost, availability, and flammability.

Cyclopentane and cyclo/iso-pentane are both five-carbon ring compounds, but they have different molecular structures. Cyclopentane has a regular pentagon shape, while cyclo/iso-pentane has a branch attached to one of the carbon atoms. This difference leads to different physical and chemical properties, such as boiling point, vapor pressure, vapor thermal conductivity, and solubility. These properties affect the foam formation, insulation performance, energy efficiency, and environmental impact of the blowing agents. Therefore, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of cyclopentane and cyclo/iso-pentane as blowing agents for refrigerators, and to choose the best option according to the specific needs and conditions.

Comparison of Cyclopentane and Cyclo/Iso-Pentane

Boiling Point

The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from liquid to gas. The boiling point of cyclopentane is 49°C, while the boiling point of cyclo/iso-pentane is 28°C. This means that cyclo/iso-pentane vaporizes more easily than cyclopentane, and therefore requires less heat to create foam. This can be an advantage for cyclo/iso-pentane, as it can reduce the energy consumption and the reaction time of the foam formation process. However, it can also be a disadvantage, as it can cause more blowing agent to escape from the foam, reducing the insulation quality and increasing the environmental impact.

Vapor Pressure

The vapor pressure of a substance is the pressure exerted by its vapor when it is in equilibrium with its liquid phase. The vapor pressure of cyclo/iso-pentane is higher than that of cyclopentane, especially at low temperatures. This means that cyclo/iso-pentane can maintain a gaseous state inside the foam even at low temperatures, and therefore provide some support to the foam structure. This can improve the dimensional stability of the foam, and prevent shrinkage and deformation. However, it can also increase the risk of leakage and flammability of the blowing agent, as well as the heat transfer through the foam.

Vapor Thermal Conductivity

The vapor thermal conductivity of a substance is the measure of its ability to transfer heat by molecular motion. The vapor thermal conductivity of cyclo/iso-pentane is higher than that of cyclopentane, especially at high temperatures. This means that cyclo/iso-pentane can conduct more heat through the foam than cyclopentane, and therefore reduce the insulation performance and the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. However, this effect can be mitigated by using a lower density of foam, as well as by adding other additives or fillers to the foam.

Solubility

The solubility of a substance is the measure of its ability to dissolve in another substance. The solubility of cyclo/iso-pentane in polyether polyol is lower than that of cyclopentane, especially at high temperatures. This means that cyclo/iso-pentane can separate from the polyol more easily than cyclopentane, and therefore create a more uniform distribution of blowing agent in the foam. This can enhance the foam quality and the insulation performance, as well as reduce the amount of blowing agent needed. However, this can also increase the difficulty of controlling the foam formation process, as well as the risk of flammability and environmental impact of the blowing agent.

Conclusion

Cyclopentane and cyclo/iso-pentane are both hydrocarbon blowing agents that can be used to create foam insulation for refrigerators. However, they have different physical and chemical properties that affect their performance and environmental impact. Cyclopentane has a higher boiling point, lower vapor pressure, lower vapor thermal conductivity, and higher solubility than cyclo/iso-pentane. These properties make cyclopentane more suitable for applications that require high insulation performance, low energy consumption, and low environmental impact. Cyclo/iso-pentane has a lower boiling point, higher vapor pressure, higher vapor thermal conductivity, and lower solubility than cyclopentane. These properties make cyclo/iso-pentane more suitable for applications that require low foam density, high dimensional stability, and fast foam formation. Therefore, the choice of blowing agent depends on the specific needs and conditions of the refrigerator manufacturer and the consumer. A possible compromise is to use a mixture of cyclopentane and cyclo/iso-pentane, which can combine the advantages of both blowing agents and balance their disadvantages.

As a leading chemical company, at Junyuan Petroleum Group we are committed to providing high-quality and innovative products to our customers around the world. However, delivering chemical samples to different countries and regions is not a simple task. It requires careful planning and execution, as well as compliance with various laws and regulations. To ensure the safety and legality of our sample shipments, we follow these steps: – We identify the type and hazard level of our chemical samples, and whether they need any special permits or certificates. – We choose the appropriate shipping service and mode of transportation, such as air, land or sea, that meet the international or domestic transport rules. – We use proper packaging materials and labels, to prevent leakage, damage or mishandling of our samples. – We fill out complete and accurate shipping documents, including the information of the recipient and the sender, as well as the name, quantity, hazard level and other relevant information of our samples. – We hand over the shipping documents and samples to the shipping service provider, pay the corresponding fees, and track the shipping status. By following these steps, we can ensure that our samples reach our customers in a timely and efficient manner, and that we maintain our reputation as a reliable and trustworthy partner. We are always ready to serve our customers with our best products and services. Some of our most popular products are n-Pentane, Isopentane, Cyclopentane, Blowing Agents, n-Hexane, Isohexane, n-Heptane, n-Butane and Isobutane. These products are widely used in the production of insulation materials, such as Polyurethane (PU) and Polystyrene (PS) foams. They have different properties and advantages, depending on the application and the desired insulation performance¹². For example, Cyclopentane offers an extremely high and lasting insulating effect, as it remains partially in the cells of PU and PIR foams after foaming¹. N-Pentane and Iso-Pentane have a lower insulating effect than Cyclopentane, but they are more stable and the individual cells are firmer and finer². Blowing Agents are mixtures of different Pentanes, which can optimize the costs and foam properties¹. We test these products in our state-of-the-art laboratories, to ensure their quality and safety. We also customize the products according to the specific needs and preferences of our customers. For example, we can adjust the purity, viscosity, boiling point, and flash point of the products, to suit different applications and climates. The typical amount of samples that our customers request is around 250 milliliters, but this may vary depending on the product and the customer’s requirements. We always try to accommodate the requests of our customers, as long as they are reasonable and legal. We also provide technical support and guidance, to help our customers use our products effectively and efficiently.

Source:
(1) Which Pentanes are suitable for the production of insulating materials?
(2) Which Pentane Blowing Agent is Best for Your Application?
(3) Cyclopentane, as a blowing agent in Polyurethane (PU) foams, is the …. https://junyuanpetroleumgroup.com/chemical-manufacturer-supplier-distributor/cyclopentane-as-a-blowing-agent-in-polyurethane-pu-foams-is-the-most-important-raw-material-for-high-performance-insulation-in-refrigerators/.
(4) N-Heptane Vs N-Pentane

Price trend chart of n-Pentane in recent six month (20-September-2022)