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Pentane Formula

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Pentane Definition

Pentane is an organic compound with the formula C5H12 that is, an alkane with five carbon atoms. Pentane is a colourless liquid that is made up of chemical compounds. Pentane has a similar odour to petroleum. It has a lower density than water and is water-insoluble. Quintane and n-pentane are two more names for it. Pentane has a rotatable bond count of 2. 


Pentane Linear Formula is, CH3(CH2)3CH3


The Pentane Molecular Formula is, C5H12


Pentane Chemical Formula is, C5H12


The name can refer to any of three structural isomers, or a combination of them; however, the IUPAC name of pentane only refers to the n-pentane isomer; the other two are known as isopentane (Methyl butane) and neopentane, respectively (Dimethylpropane).


Because cyclopentane only contains 10 hydrogen atoms whereas pentane has 12, it is not an isomer of pentane. Pentanes are used as speciality solvents in the laboratory and are found in some fuels. They have qualities that are extremely similar to butanes and hexanes.


Structure of Pentane

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The structure of pentane is a straight chain with 5 carbon (C) atoms. Hence the structural formula for pentane is also the same as the chemical formula of pentane and the pentane formula, C5H12


The Chemical Structure of Pentane is,

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Properties of Pentane 

Pentane isomers have boiling temperatures ranging from 9 to 36 °C.

The boiling temperatures of the heavily branched isomers are lower, as they are for other alkanes.


The melting points of alkane isomers tend to be similar, with isopentane being 30 degrees Celsius lower than n-pentane. However, neopentane, the most extensively branched of the three, has a melting point that is 100 degrees Celsius higher than isopentane. Neopentane's very high melting point has been linked to the tetrahedral molecules clustering closer together in solid form.

Uses of Pentane

  • In the production of polystyrene foam, pentane is used.

  • High-octane fuels are made from isopentane, which is created by acid-catalyzed isomerization.

  • It is also used in geothermal power stations as a working medium in the Rankine cycle.

  • Pentane is also used in liquid chromatography.

  • Pentanes are a volatile liquid that is cheap at room temperature. They're used in laboratories as a solvent.

FAQs on Pentane Formula

Q1. What is the Use of Pentane?

Answer: Pentane has a variety of industrial applications in addition to being a component of natural gas.


Pentane is primarily used to make a blowing agent, which is subsequently used to make polystyrene foam. Insulation materials for refrigerators and heating pipes are made of polystyrene.

Q2. What is the Condensed Formula for Pentane, Butane, Propane, Hexane?

Answer: 

Name 

Molecular Formula CnH2n+2

Condensed Structural Formula

Propane

C3H8

CH3CH2CH3

Butane

C4H10

CH3CH2CH2CH3

Pentane

C5H12

CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3

Hexane

C6H14

CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3

Q3. Is Pentane a Liquid or Gas?

Answer: Pentane is a five-carbon-atom alkane with a straight chain.


It functions as a refrigerant and a non-polar solvent. It's an alkane and a volatile organic chemical. N-pentane is a colourless, odourless liquid having a petroleum odour.