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Isopentane

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Isopentane

Formula: C5H12, R-601a

CAS No: 78-78-4

Isopentane (C5H12) is a colorless, flammable liquid with a mild gasoline-like odor. It is a branched-chain alkane and one of the isomers of pentane. Because of its volatility and solubility properties, it is widely used across energy, industrial, chemical, and laboratory applications.

Applications include:

  • Component in gasoline blending to increase volatility and octane rating.

  • Working fluid in geothermal power production, where it vaporizes to drive turbines.

  • Solvent for dissolving organic compounds in industrial and laboratory processes.

  • Aerosol propellant, replacing substances with high ozone depletion or global warming potential.

  • Refrigerant in specialty systems, offering an alternative to high-GWP refrigerants.

  • Foam blowing agent in the manufacture of expanded polystyrene (EPS).

  • Cleaning agent for electronics and precision components.

  • Cryogenic freezing medium for biological samples, enabling rapid and uniform cooling.

At EFC Gases & Advanced Materials, we supply commercial grade isopentane with a focus on purity, reliability, and customer-specific requirements. Our expertise ensures dependable performance across industrial, energy, and specialty chemical markets.

Applications
Specifications
Further Specifications
Cylinder Sizes
  • Blend into gasoline to improve volatility and octane rating.
  • Drive turbines as a working fluid in geothermal power plants.
  • Dissolve organic compounds as a solvent in industrial processes.
  • Replace high-GWP substances as an aerosol propellant and refrigerant.
  • Produce expanded polystyrene as a foam blowing agent.
Grade 2 Grade 2.5
Purity 99.0% 99.5%
Other Hydrocarbons < 1% < 0.5%
Sulfur < 1 ppmv < 1 ppmv
Moisture < 5 ppmv < 5 ppmv
Total Impurities < 1 % < 0.5 %
Chemical & Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 72.15
Pressure @ 100° F 20.1 psia
Flammability Limits 1.4 - 7.6% in Air
Valve Outlet CGA 510 LB CGA 170
Shipping Information
DOT Name Pentanes
Hazard Class 3
DOT No. UN 1265
Packing Group I
DOT Label Flammable Liquid
CAS No. 78-78-4
Cylinder Size Fill Weight (lb)
1/2 Ton 570
LP30 136
LP15 80
LP05 27
LP01 7
49L/Size 300 60
44L/Size 200 50
16L/Size 80 19
7L/Size 35 8

Moisture level guaranteed only when EFC Gases & Advanced Materials prepares the cylinders.
All concentrations are on a mol/mol basis unless otherwise stated. Individual impurities may vary slightly.