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Isopentane

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Identification
Molecular formula
C5H12
CAS number
78-78-4
IUPAC name
2-methylbutane
State
State

At room temperature, isopentane is a volatile liquid.

Melting point (Celsius)
-160.70
Melting point (Kelvin)
112.45
Boiling point (Celsius)
27.80
Boiling point (Kelvin)
300.95
General information
Molecular weight
72.15g/mol
Molar mass
72.1510g/mol
Density
0.6200g/cm3
Appearence

Isopentane is a colorless liquid with a faint petroleum-like odor. It is highly volatile and flammable.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-Methylbutane

2-Methylbutane, a branched-chain alkane with the formula C5H12, exhibits distinctive solubility characteristics due to its non-polar nature. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Non-Polar Solvent Compatibility: 2-Methylbutane is soluble in non-polar solvents, which can be attributed to its hydrophobic characteristics. This makes it ideal for applications in organic chemistry where non-polar environments are required.
  • Low Solubility in Water: Like most hydrocarbons, 2-methylbutane displays very low solubility in water due to the inability of water to interact favorably with the non-polar hydrocarbon chains.
  • Temperature Dependency: Solubility can also vary with temperature; increasing the temperature generally enhances the solubility of organic compounds in non-polar solvents.
  • Applications: Because of its solubility properties, 2-methylbutane is often used as a solvent in various chemical reactions, particularly where water is not suitable.

In summary, the solubility of 2-methylbutane is characterized primarily by its compatibility with non-polar solvents and its limited solubility in polar solvents like water. This makes it a valuable compound in various chemical processes where such solubility behaviors are advantageous.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Methylbutane

2-Methylbutane, also known as iso-pentane, is a fascinating organic compound that belongs to the class of alkanes. Its unique structure and properties make it notable in various chemical applications.

Chemical Structure

As a branched-chain alkane, 2-methylbutane consists of a five-carbon backbone with a methyl group attached to the second carbon atom. This branching influences its physical and chemical properties in significant ways:

  • Branching Impact: The branched structure leads to lower boiling points compared to its straight-chain isomer, n-pentane.
  • Stability: It's more stable against certain reactions, making it a useful precursor in organic synthesis.

Applications

2-Methylbutane is not just a laboratory curiosity; it has practical uses in several industries:

  • Fuel Component: It serves as an important component in gasoline blends, enhancing octane ratings.
  • Solvent Uses: Due to its relatively low toxicity, it's utilized as a solvent in various chemical processes.
  • Refrigerants: The compound is also examined for potential use as a refrigerant due to its favorable thermodynamic properties.

Environmental Considerations

In today's pursuit of sustainable practices, the environmental impact of chemical compounds is paramount:

  • Low Toxicity: 2-methylbutane is less harmful compared to many other hydrocarbons, making it an appealing choice for various applications.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds: It's important to monitor its usage since it can contribute to smog formation in urban areas.

Fun Fact

An interesting tidbit about 2-methylbutane is that it is a product of the natural isomerization process of n-pentane, occurring in both geological and biological systems! This adds to the compound's relevance in understanding natural processes as well.

In conclusion, 2-methylbutane exemplifies how a simple organic compound can play significant roles in both industry and academic research. Its balance of functionality and environmental compatibility makes it a compound worth studying!

Synonyms
ISOPENTANE
2-Methylbutane
78-78-4
Isoamylhydride
Butane, 2-methyl-
iso-Pentane
1,1,2-Trimethylethane
Dimethylethylmethane
Ethyldimethylmethane
methylbutane
1,1-dimethylpropane
iso-C5H12
HSDB 618
NSC 119476
EINECS 201-142-8
butane, 2-methyl
UNII-ZH67814I0O
2-METHYLBUTANE-2-D1
(CH3)2CH-CH2-CH3
CHEBI:30362
AI3-28787
ZH67814I0O
NSC-119476
R-601a
EC 201-142-8
NSC119476
13221-81-3
ISO PENTANE
2-methyl-butane
2-Methylbutane, ReagentPlus(R), >=99%
Isopropentane
Isoamyl hydride
Field butane
1-Pentane
Exxsol isopentane S
MFCD00009338
1,2-Trimethylethane
Butane (field grade)
Ethyl dimethyl methane
1,1,2-Trimethylbutane
ISOPENTANE [HSDB]
BUTYL, 3-METHYL-
(CH3)2CHCH2CH3
CHEMBL1797287
DTXSID8025468
DTXSID60195860
DTXSID401316767
WLN: 2Y1&1
2-Methylbutane, SAJ special grade
2-Methylbutane, analytical standard
EINECS 271-009-7
2-Methylbutane, anhydrous, >=99%
AKOS015841718
2-Methylbutane, for HPLC, >=99.5%
2-Methylbutane, purum, >=95.0% (GC)
M0167
NS00003083
2-Methylbutane, SAJ first grade, >=99.0%
2-Methylbutane, puriss. p.a., >=99.5% (GC)
2-Methylbutane, spectrophotometric grade, >=99%
Q422703
InChI=1/C5H12/c1-4-5(2)3/h5H,4H2,1-3H
201-142-8
2492-33-3
61G