Product Name: N-Pentane
Chemical Formula: C5H12
Synonyms: Pentane, normal-Pentane
CAS Number: 109-66-0
Recommended Use: Laboratory solvent, industrial extraction, calibration gas
Manufacturer Information: Contact supplier for specifics
Emergency Telephone Number: Available through local poison control or supplier
Classification: Flammable Liquid – Category 2; Aspiration Hazard – Category 1; Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure) – Category 3
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Extremely flammable liquid and vapor; May cause drowsiness or dizziness; May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
Pictograms: Flame, Health Hazard, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. No smoking. Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. Use explosion-proof equipment. Take action to prevent static discharges. Avoid breathing vapors. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area. Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection.
Chemical Name: N-Pentane
Concentration: 100%
CAS Number: 109-66-0
Impurities: May contain trace isomers (iso-pentane, neo-pentane)—typical purity >99%
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air immediately. Rest in a comfortable position for breathing. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention without delay.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation develops, get medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing. If redness or distress continues, see a doctor.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Get immediate medical help due to aspiration risk if material is swallowed.
Most Important Symptoms & Effects: Central nervous system depression, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea; potential chemical pneumonitis if aspiration occurs.
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide; avoid using water jet since it can spread fire.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons
Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards: Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back; highly explosive vapor/air mixtures can form
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear; cool containers exposed to fire with water spray
Additional Advice: Evacuate area and fight fire from a safe distance. Container may rupture if heated.
Personal Precautions: Eliminate all ignition sources. Ventilate area thoroughly. Avoid inhalation and skin or eye contact. Use personal protective equipment as required.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe. Do not allow product to enter drains, surface water, or soil.
Methods for Cleaning Up: Absorb spillage with inert material (sand, earth). Use non-sparking tools for cleanup and transfer waste to appropriate container for disposal. Wash area after material pick-up complete.
Handling: Handle only with adequate ventilation. Keep away from all ignition sources—open flames, heat, static electricity. Use non-sparking tools. Do not breathe vapors or allow contact with skin or eyes.
Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated place. Store only in containers approved for flammable liquids. Store away from oxidizing agents, acids, and bases.
Special Precautions: Bond and ground containers during transfer to avoid static discharge. Protect from sunlight and avoid temperature extremes.
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 600 ppm (1800 mg/m3); ACGIH TLV: 600 ppm, STEL 750 ppm
Engineering Controls: Use in well-ventilated areas, preferably under fume hoods. Install explosion-proof electrical systems.
Respiratory Protection: If ventilation inadequate, use an approved organic vapor respirator.
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene); protect exposed skin with suitable clothing.
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Other Protective Measures: Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers should be nearby.
Appearance: Colorless, volatile liquid
Odor: Mild, gasoline-like
Odor Threshold: 2.8–25 ppm
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Range: -129.7°C
Boiling Point/Range: 36°C
Flash Point: -49°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Rapid
Flammability: Extremely flammable
Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits: 1.4%–8.3% (v/v) in air
Vapor Pressure: 514 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 2.49 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.626 at 20°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Log Kow 3.39
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 260°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not determined
Viscosity: Very low (approx. 0.24 mPa·s at 25°C)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactive Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, halogens can trigger violent reactions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, sparks, open flames, static electricity
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides under fire or thermal decomposition
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal conditions but exposure to incompatible chemicals may create hazards.
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion
Acute Effects: CNS depression, lightheadedness, drowsiness, headaches; high concentrations may cause loss of coordination
Chronic Effects: Possible liver or kidney effects with prolonged exposure; no evidence for cancer classification
LD50 (Oral, rat): 44600 mg/kg
LC50 (Inhalation, rat 4h): 364,000 mg/m3
Skin Irritation: Mildly irritating on prolonged contact
Eye Irritation: May cause discomfort or temporary irritation; generally, no permanent damage
Sensitization: Not a known skin sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life due to volatility and toxicity at higher concentrations; fish (LC50), Daphnia (EC50) data suggest moderate toxicity.
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent in the environment; biodegradable by natural bacterial action
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate—log Kow above 3 increases potential for accumulation
Mobility in Soil: Volatile, likely to evaporate before significant leaching occurs; absorption to soil not extensive
Other Adverse Effects: Ozone formation potential due to volatility; avoid environmental discharge
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose as hazardous waste according to local, regional, and national regulations. Do not pour into drains or the environment.
Recommended Disposal: Incinerate in approved facility with scrubbing for emissions; consult local authority for chemical waste guidelines.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers should be left open in a well-ventilated place to evaporate residual contents before recycling or disposal; label containers appropriately.
UN Number: UN 1265
Proper Shipping Name: Pentanes
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
Packing Group: II
Label: Flammable Liquid (3)
Special Precautions: Transport only in approved, secure containers; keep away from heat sources, ignition sources, and oxidizers during transit.
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant—do not transport with foodstuffs, feed, or drinking water.
OSHA: Classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
TSCA: Listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
EPA SARA Title III: Classified under Section 311/312: Immediate health, fire hazard
California Proposition 65: Not listed as a carcinogen or reproductive toxin
EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008: Hazard Statements H225, H304, H336
Other Regulation: Workplace exposure limits published by NIOSH, ACGIH; local fire code applies due to high flammability.
