Main Applications

The applications of isopentane are closely related to its low boiling point, high volatility, chemical stability, and low freezing point resulting from its branched structure. These mainly include:

Refrigerants and Blowing Agents

As an environmentally friendly refrigerant (e.g., R601a), it replaces traditional Freon (which depletes the ozone layer) and is used in small-scale refrigeration equipment (such as refrigerators and freezers);

As a blowing agent used in the production of polyurethane foam and polystyrene foam, utilizing its volatile characteristics to form a cellular structure within the materials, leaving no toxic residue after foaming.

Solvents and Extractants

As a low-boiling non-polar solvent, it is used to dissolve organic substances such as oils, rubber, and resins, and is applied in industries including coatings, adhesives, and inks;

In the laboratory, it serves as an extractant to separate non-polar organic compounds;

Used in cosmetics (such as cleansing oils) as a volatile solvent to help ingredients disperse evenly and volatilize quickly, reducing greasiness.

Fuel and Field of Energy

It is a component of gasoline (content approximately 5%~10%); due to its high octane number (Research Octane Number RON is approximately 92), it can improve the anti-knock property of gasoline;

Used as a small-scale fuel (such as lighter fuel), it is easy to ignite and burns stably.

Organic Synthesis Raw Materials

Through halogenation reactions, halogenated isopentane is generated, which serves as an alkylation reagent for synthesizing pharmaceutical and pesticide intermediates;

Thermal cracking products can serve as olefin raw materials for the preparation of polymer materials such as plastics and rubber.

Other Uses

Used for the cleaning of precision instruments (such as electronic components), utilizing its strong solvency and volatility, leaving no residue after cleaning;

In chromatographic analysis, it serves as a standard substance or solvent for the calibration of gas chromatography (GC).

CAS NO: 78-78-4

EC NO: 201-142-8

Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₂

Molecular Weight: 72.15

Alias:; 2-Methylbutane;

Structural Formula: