Pentane
Pentane is a type of hydrocarbon that belongs to the alkane series. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature and is primarily used as a solvent. It is also used as a fuel in some industrial applications.
Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]
Pentane has the chemical formula C5H12. It consists of five carbon atoms and twelve hydrogen atoms. The carbon atoms are arranged in a straight chain, making pentane a straight-chain alkane.
Physical Properties[edit | edit source]
Pentane is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a characteristic odor. It has a boiling point of 36.1 degrees Celsius and a melting point of -129.8 degrees Celsius. It is less dense than water and is insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol and ether.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Pentane is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. It undergoes combustion to produce carbon dioxide and water. It can also react with halogens in a halogenation reaction to form halogenated compounds.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Pentane is primarily used as a solvent in the laboratory. It is also used as a fuel in some industrial applications. In addition, it is used in the production of polystyrene foam and other types of foam.
Safety[edit | edit source]
Pentane is highly flammable and should be handled with care. It can cause skin and eye irritation and may be harmful if inhaled or swallowed.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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