Tag Isopentane Price

Flat Pricing Reflects Balanced Demand and Supply in China’s Isopentane Market

As of April 29, 2025, the price of Isopentane in China remains unchanged at CNY 9,500/MT, showing no fluctuation over the past 12 days. With the current exchange rate of 1 USD ≈ 7.327 CNY, the equivalent international price stands at approximately USD 1,296/MT. This price stability reflects a steady market, with global demand sustained across refrigeration, insulation, and adhesives sectors. Now is a strategic time for procurement professionals to evaluate inventory planning.

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Current Price Snapshot (as of 2025-04-29):

• CNY: 9,500/MT

• USD: Approx. 1,296/MT (based on 1 USD ≈ 7.327 CNY)

• Change: 0.00% over the past 12 days

Applications of Isopentane:

Isopentane (2-methylbutane) is a versatile C5 hydrocarbon with multiple industrial applications:

1. Refrigeration Industry

• Used as a blowing agent in polyurethane (PU) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams

• Key component in insulation panels for refrigerators and cold chain systems

2. Thermal Insulation Materials

• Enables the production of rigid foam insulation boards

• Used widely in energy-efficient construction materials

3. Adhesive Industry

• Functions as a solvent in solvent-based adhesives

• Enhances resin solubility, drying speed, viscosity control, and flow

4. Laboratory Use

• Occasionally used as a non-polar solvent or reagent in analytical chemistry

Key Markets & Demand Regions:

• China: Largest production and consumption base, particularly for PU foams

• India: Strong demand in adhesives and insulation manufacturing

• Southeast Asia: Growth driven by infrastructure and cold storage

• Europe: Increasing use of Isopentane as an eco-friendly replacement for HFCs

• Middle East & Latin America: Steady demand from construction and refrigeration sectors

Market Outlook:

With Isopentane prices holding steady at CNY 9,500/MT or approximately USD 1,296/MT, this may be a favorable time for global buyers to secure volumes before seasonal demand pushes prices upward. As energy efficiency and environmental standards tighten globally, demand for non-fluorinated blowing agents like Isopentane is expected to rise.

Isopentane Market: Overview
Isopentane, also known as 2-Methyl Butane, name in Chinese 异戊烷, is a clear liquid that is highly flammable at room temperature. It is utilized as a foam blowing agent in the production of polystyrene, PU foams, etc. Various industrial grade isopentane are available in the market for specific applications. For instance, Isopentane, 40% is used for cleaning process in electronics, as it is highly volatile as well as has low content of impurities such as benzene, sulfur, total aromatics, and olefins.
Rise in Demand for Isopentane Foam Blowing Agent to Drive Market
The usage of Isopentane as foam blowing agent in expandable polystyrene foams is a major factor driving the global isopentane market. Blended form of isopentane is employed for this application, as it provides superior stability as well as ease in processing of foam. Expandable polystyrene (EPS) is used in a wide range of applications in end-use industries. This is projected to drive the isopentane market. EPS has applications in packaging, construction, and specialty foam manufacturing areas; of this, construction and packaging segments account for major share of the global market. Ban of CFCs and phase out plan for HCFCs has also increased the adoption of isopentane among end-users. Currently, most countries across the globe have initiated phase 2 of the phase out management plan for the HCFC, wherein countries have to decrease their dependence on HCFCs that are used in foam manufacturing and refrigeration systems in order to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Under phase 2 management plan, countries are projected to stop manufacturing HCFCs and minimize internal consumption of HCFCs. Governments across the globe have already started promoting alternative non-HCFC foam blowing agents. They have also initiated the enactment of regulatory framework for setting up of standard codes for use of these non-HCFCs in foam manufacturing.
Growth of the isopentane market is expected to remain below par owing to the availability of alternative compounds. High risk involved in handling of isopentane is also likely to negatively affect the market in the near future. However, the global isopentane market is estimated to expand in line with the global GDP rate with increasing adoption of isopentane in end-use industries, particularly among expandable polystyrene (EPS) manufacturers.
Pure Form Segment to Offer Lucrative Opportunities
Based on form, the global isopentane market can be segmented into pure form (99%), isopentane 95%, and blended isopentane
The pure form segment is expected to dominate the global isopentane market during the forecast period. It is the fastest-growing form segment of the global isopentane market. Isopentane is primarily employed as a foam blowing agent in packaging and construction industries.
EPS Blowing Agent Application Segment to Hold Major Share of Market
Based on application, the global isopentane market can be divided into EPS blowing agent, electronic cleaning, chemical solvent, aerosol propellant, and others
The EPS blowing agent segment is anticipated to dominate the global isopentane market during the forecast period. It is the second-fastest growing application segment of the global isopentane market.
Isopentane (purity >99, water ＜ 20ppm, sulfur ＜ 1ppm, acid value ＜ 2ppm) by Dongying Liangxin Petrochemical Technology Development Limited Company has a stable price, with a quotation of 11,700 yuan / ton, EXW Dongying Cina, which is mainly used in polyethylene units and LNG field. The following is the price change of isopentane since July 13, 2021.