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Refrigerants and blowing agents

Isopentane

Also known as 2-Methylbutane, Isoamylhydride, Butane, 2-methyl-

CAS 78-78-4Formula C5H12Molar mass 72.15 g/molEC 201-142-8
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Harmful or irritant, Serious health hazard, Hazardous to the environment 84 suppliers listed
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Isopentane chemical structure, C5H12, CAS 78-78-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Volatile liquid or gas
Melting point
-159.8 °C
Boiling point
27.8 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.6
Flash point
-51 °C
HS code
290110
Category
Refrigerants and blowing agents
UN number
UN 1265
Illustrative photo, a closed 1000 litre IBC tote in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Isopentane?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Isopentane is an alkane that is butane substituted by a methyl group at position 2. It has a role as a refrigerant.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2-methylbutane
CAS number
78-78-4 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 13221-81-3, 76701-33-2
EC number
201-142-8
Molecular formula
C5H12
UNII
ZH67814I0O
MDL number
MFCD00009338
INCI name
ISOPENTANE
InChIKey
QWTDNUCVQCZILF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C5H12/c1-4-5(2)3/h5H,4H2,1-3H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CCC(C)C

Synonyms

  • 2-Methylbutane
  • Isoamylhydride
  • Butane, 2-methyl-
  • iso-Pentane
  • 1,1,2-Trimethylethane
  • Dimethylethylmethane
  • Ethyldimethylmethane
  • methylbutane
  • 1,1-dimethylpropane
  • iso-C5H12
  • (CH3)2CH-CH2-CH3
  • R-601a
  • 2-methylbutane, isopentane
  • (CH3)2CHCH2CH3
  • 2-Methylbutane-2-d1
  • 2-methyl-butane
  • 95% isopentane
  • 99% isopentane
  • Iso pentane
  • solvent isopentane
  • 2-Methylbutane, ReagentPlus(R), >=99%
  • blowing agent isopentane
  • foaming agent Isopentane
  • isopentane(2-methylbutane)
  • ipentane
Show all 37 synonyms
  • pentane blend
  • pentane blends
  • butane, 2-methyl
  • Exxsol isopentane S
  • 1,2-Trimethylethane
  • Isopentane, 95% min
  • Isopentane, 99% min
  • Relebactam Impurity 24
  • Isopentane 78-78-4
  • Polypropylene (Amorphous)
  • Styrene foaming agent isopentane
  • 2-Methylbutane, SAJ special grade

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Volatile liquid or gasexp.
Odour
Pleasant odorexp.
Melting point
-159.8 °Cexp.
Boiling point
27.8 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.6exp.
Flash point
-51 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
420 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 48 mg/L at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 79exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
72.15 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
72.0939 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
2.05calc.
Topological polar surface area
0 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
5calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard
GHS09: Hazardous to the environment
Hazardous to the environment
410NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H224Extremely flammable liquid and vapour.
  • H304May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
  • H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  • H411Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (21)
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P331Do not induce vomiting.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P391Collect spillage.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1265
Transport hazard class
3
Packing group
I

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Isopentane suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 84 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

84 suppliers in 11 countries

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Isopentane price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Solvent, manufacture of chlorinated derivatives, blowing agent for polystyrene.

Uused as gasoline blending feedstock for high-octane gasoline, especially in the winter months.

Chemical intermediate for amyl chloride, for amyl alcohols, principally as antiknock gasoline additive.

Industrial uses: Intermediate, Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents), Soil amendments (fertilizers), Sealant (barrier), Fuel, Fuel agents, Anti-caking agent.

Consumer uses: Intermediate, Soil amendments (fertilizers), Fuel, Fuel agents, Fuels and fuel additives, Insulators.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name ISOPENTANE(propellant, solvent, viscosity controlling)

Roles

  • refrigerant

Functional uses

  • Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents)
  • Solvent
  • Viscosity modifier

Cosmetic functions

  • Propellant
  • Solvent
  • Viscosity controlling

Pharmacology

Isopentane is an organic, branched-chain alkane with five carbon atoms.

How it is made

Isopentane can be isolated from the liquid components of natural gas or from light gasoline (naphtha), either by molecular sieve separation or by superfractionation

Fractional distillation from petroleum, purified by rectification.

Isopentane (is) ... produced primarily by fractional distillation of natural-gas liquids and crude oil. ... Also produced from the catalytic cracking of naphtha. The pentane or C5 fractions obtained from these sources can be separated by careful fractional distillation or passage through a molecular sieve unit to yield ... isopentane.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 601-085-00-2

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Isopentane is traded under.

HS 2901.10Indicative HS code

Saturated

World exports in 2024
$8.47B
+23.9% vs 2023, imports $7.66B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. United States79.8%
  2. Canada10.1%
  3. Germany1.4%
Top importers
  1. China34.6%
  2. United States12.2%
  3. Sweden5.0%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Isopentane is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Isopentane, based on the data on this page

What is Isopentane?

Isopentane is an alkane that is butane substituted by a methyl group at position 2. It has a role as a refrigerant.

What is the CAS number of Isopentane?

The CAS registry number of Isopentane is 78-78-4. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 13221-81-3, 76701-33-2.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Isopentane?

The molecular formula of Isopentane is C5H12 and its molar mass is 72.15 g/mol.

What is Isopentane used for?

Solvent, manufacture of chlorinated derivatives, blowing agent for polystyrene. Uused as gasoline blending feedstock for high-octane gasoline, especially in the winter months. Chemical intermediate for amyl chloride, for amyl alcohols, principally as antiknock gasoline additive.

Is Isopentane hazardous?

Isopentane carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: extremely flammable liquid and vapour, may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways, may cause drowsiness or dizziness. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Isopentane?

Isopentane is usually classified under HS code 290110 (Saturated). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Isopentane?

CompoundList lists 84 suppliers of Isopentane in United States, China, India, United Kingdom and 7 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Isopentane in India?

7 suppliers in India list Isopentane on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Isopentane?

Suppliers quote Isopentane on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Isopentane

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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