Chemical Safety Data: Pentane

Common synonyms

n-pentane

Formula

C₅H₁₂

Physical properties

Form: colourless liquid
Stability: Stable, but very flammable
Melting point: -130 C
Boiling point: 35 - 36 C
Vapour pressure: 8.28 psi at 20 C
Flash point: -49 C
Explosion limits: 1.4% - 8.3%
Water solubility: negligible
Specific gravity: 0.626

Principal hazards

Pentane is very flammable. It boils at a temperature only a little above room temperature. It has a high vapour pressure even at room temperature, so dangerous levels of vapour can build up in a confined space.

Safe handling

Wear safety glasses.
Before starting work check that there are no sources of ignition anywhere close to the working area.
Ensure good ventilation in the working area - use a fume cupboard whenever possible and never work in the open laboratory if you have doubts about the effectiveness of the ventilation.
Check that you know where the nearest fire extinguisher is before you start work!

Emergency

Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. If irritation persists call for medical help.
Skin contact: Wash skin with soap and water. Remove any contaminated clothing immediately - clothing soaked in pentane will present an extreme fire risk, so must be removed without delay. Store it temporarily in an area in which it cannot catch light or lead to a build-up of pentane vapour.
If swallowed: Call for immediate medical help.

Disposal

Pentane presents a serious fire risk. It must not be poured down sinks. Store in a suitable container for disposal.

Protective equipment

Safety glasses. If gloves are required, nitrile or PVA are suitable.

Further information

Pentane
Chemicals in the HSci database
More extensive safety data

Link to the Oxford HSci web site
We have tried to make this information as accurate and useful as possible, but can take no responsibility for its use, misuse, or accuracy. We have not verified this information, and cannot guarantee that it is up-to-date.
Oxford, February 9, 2004

Common synonyms	n-pentane
Formula	C₅H₁₂
Physical properties	Form: colourless liquid Stability: Stable, but very flammable Melting point: -130 C Boiling point: 35 - 36 C Vapour pressure: 8.28 psi at 20 C Flash point: -49 C Explosion limits: 1.4% - 8.3% Water solubility: negligible Specific gravity: 0.626
Principal hazards	Pentane is very flammable. It boils at a temperature only a little above room temperature. It has a high vapour pressure even at room temperature, so dangerous levels of vapour can build up in a confined space.
Safe handling	Wear safety glasses. Before starting work check that there are no sources of ignition anywhere close to the working area. Ensure good ventilation in the working area - use a fume cupboard whenever possible and never work in the open laboratory if you have doubts about the effectiveness of the ventilation. Check that you know where the nearest fire extinguisher is before you start work!
Emergency	Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. If irritation persists call for medical help. Skin contact: Wash skin with soap and water. Remove any contaminated clothing immediately - clothing soaked in pentane will present an extreme fire risk, so must be removed without delay. Store it temporarily in an area in which it cannot catch light or lead to a build-up of pentane vapour. If swallowed: Call for immediate medical help.
Disposal	Pentane presents a serious fire risk. It must not be poured down sinks. Store in a suitable container for disposal.
Protective equipment	Safety glasses. If gloves are required, nitrile or PVA are suitable.
Further information	Pentane Chemicals in the HSci database More extensive safety data