Properties of Isopentane (C5H12)

Isopentane, also known as 2-methylbutane, is a flammable organic compound with the chemical formula C5H12. It is one of the isomers of pentane and belongs to the alkane family. Isopentane is a volatile and colorless liquid at room temperature and is commonly used as a fuel, solvent, and refrigerant.

The following table provides a comprehensive list of isopentane properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Isopentane Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Molar Mass72.15 g/mol
Density620 kg/m3
Dynamic Viscosity0.217 mPa·s
Surface Tension13.7 mN/m
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point-159.9 °C
Boiling Point27.9 °C
Thermal Conductivity (25°C)0.111 W/m·K
Vapor Pressure76.6 kPa
Critical ConstantsMetric
Critical Temperature (Tc)187 °C
Critical Pressure (Pc)3.38 MPa
Critical Molar Volume (Vc)306 cm3/mol
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Relative Permittivity (εr)1.845
Optical PropertiesMetric
Refractive Index (589 nm)1.3537
Hazardous DataMetric
Flash Point-51 °C
Autoignition Temperature420 °C
Lower Flammability Limit1.4%
Upper Flammability Limit7.6%
NFPA Rating (Health)1
NFPA Rating (Fire)4
NFPA Rating (Reactivity)0

Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.