Isopentane
Agent Name
Isopentane
CAS Number
78-78-4
Formula
C5-H12
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
1,1,2-Trimethylethane; 2-Methylbutane; Butane, 2-methyl-; Dimethylethylmethane; Ethyldimethylmethane; Isoamylhydride; Isopentane; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Aliphatics, Saturated (<C12)
Description
Colorless liquid with a pleasant, gasoline-like odor; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Used as a chemical intermediate, a blowing agent for polystyrene, a gasoline additive, and an anesthetic; [HSDB]
Comments
CNS depression is observed in mice exposed for 5-60 minutes at concentrations of 90,000-120,000 ppm (9-12% by volume); Concentrations of 150,000-170,000 ppm are lethal for dogs. [HSDB] See "n-Pentane."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
1000 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
1000 ppm
MAK
1000 ppm
Vapor Pressure
689 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
400 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (mice) = 419,000 mg/m3/2H
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold from ACGIH; MP = -159.9 degrees C; BP = 27.8 degrees C; VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
burn readily
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: