Chemical Safety Data: Cyclopentane

Common synonyms

Formula

C₅H₁₀

Physical properties

Form: colourless liquid, smelling of petrol (gasoline)
Stability: Stable, but very flammable
Melting point: -94 C
Boiling point: 49 C
Flash point: -37 C
Water solubility: negligible
Specific gravity: 0.75

Principal hazards

Cyclopentane is extremely flammable, catching fire at temperatures no greater than that of hot water - no naked flame is required. Because of its high vapour pressure at room temperature, it is easy to create a potentially explosive combination of air and cyclopentane, for example through a large spill of liquid onto the open bench. Cyclopentane floats on water and is insoluble in it; water is therefore largely ineffective at dealing with large cyclopentane fires.
Cyclopentane is also an asphyxiant and is likely to dry the skin out in the event of skin contact.

Safe handling

Wear safety glasses. Only work in an area that is well ventilated, preferably a fume cupboard. If working in the open labopratory, use the smallest possible amount of cyclopentane to minimize the hazards in case of a spill.
Do not retain large amounts of very flammable liquids like cyclopentane in the open laboratory. Once you have measured out the required amount of liquid, return stock bottles to a suitable storage area.
Ensure that, as far as possible, all sources of ignition havce been removed from the working area before you start; this includes not just Bunsen burners, but hot air guns, hot plates and any electrical equipment that may not be spark-free.

Emergency

Eye contact: Flush the eye with water. If irritation persists call for medical help.
Skin contact: Wash off with soap and water. Immediately remove any contaminated clothing, which will be a considerable fire risk. Move any contaminated clothing to a safe location, preferably outside. The primary hazard is not contact of the liquid with the skin, but the possibility that a fire might start, so immediately remove any people from the area of any significant spill. If the skin reddens or appears damaged, call for medical aid.
If swallowed: Call for immediate medical help.

Disposal

This material does not dissolve in water. If tipped into a sink it presents a fire and explosion risk. Therefore all waste should be retained in a suitable non-chlorinated solvents container for later disposal.

Protective equipment

Wear safety glasses. If disposable gloves are required, nitrile is the recommended material.

Further information

Cyclopentane
Chemicals in the HSci database
More extensive safety data

Link to the Oxford HSci web site
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Oxford, March 10, 2005

Common synonyms
Formula	C₅H₁₀
Physical properties	Form: colourless liquid, smelling of petrol (gasoline) Stability: Stable, but very flammable Melting point: -94 C Boiling point: 49 C Flash point: -37 C Water solubility: negligible Specific gravity: 0.75
Principal hazards	Cyclopentane is extremely flammable, catching fire at temperatures no greater than that of hot water - no naked flame is required. Because of its high vapour pressure at room temperature, it is easy to create a potentially explosive combination of air and cyclopentane, for example through a large spill of liquid onto the open bench. Cyclopentane floats on water and is insoluble in it; water is therefore largely ineffective at dealing with large cyclopentane fires. Cyclopentane is also an asphyxiant and is likely to dry the skin out in the event of skin contact.
Safe handling	Wear safety glasses. Only work in an area that is well ventilated, preferably a fume cupboard. If working in the open labopratory, use the smallest possible amount of cyclopentane to minimize the hazards in case of a spill. Do not retain large amounts of very flammable liquids like cyclopentane in the open laboratory. Once you have measured out the required amount of liquid, return stock bottles to a suitable storage area. Ensure that, as far as possible, all sources of ignition havce been removed from the working area before you start; this includes not just Bunsen burners, but hot air guns, hot plates and any electrical equipment that may not be spark-free.
Emergency	Eye contact: Flush the eye with water. If irritation persists call for medical help. Skin contact: Wash off with soap and water. Immediately remove any contaminated clothing, which will be a considerable fire risk. Move any contaminated clothing to a safe location, preferably outside. The primary hazard is not contact of the liquid with the skin, but the possibility that a fire might start, so immediately remove any people from the area of any significant spill. If the skin reddens or appears damaged, call for medical aid. If swallowed: Call for immediate medical help.
Disposal	This material does not dissolve in water. If tipped into a sink it presents a fire and explosion risk. Therefore all waste should be retained in a suitable non-chlorinated solvents container for later disposal.
Protective equipment	Wear safety glasses. If disposable gloves are required, nitrile is the recommended material.
Further information	Cyclopentane Chemicals in the HSci database More extensive safety data