Cyclopentane
| Cyclopentane | |
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Cyclopentane |
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Other names
pentamethylene |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 287-92-3  |
| PubChem | 9253 |
| ChemSpider | 8896 |
| EC number | 206-016-6 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:23492 |
| RTECS number | GY2390000 |
| Jmol-3D images | Image 1 |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C5H10 |
| Molar mass | 70.1 g/mol |
| Appearance | clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | mild, sweet |
| Density | 0.751 g/cm3 |
| Melting point |
-93.9 °C, 179 K, -137 °F |
| Boiling point |
49.2 °C, 322 K, 121 °F |
| Solubility | soluble in ethanol, acetone, ether |
| Acidity (pKa) | ~45 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4065 |
| Hazards | |
| NFPA 704 |
 3
1
0
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| Autoignition temperature |
361 °C (682 °F) |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclohexane |
 (verify) (what is:  / ?)Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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| Infobox references | |
Cyclopentane is a highly flammable alicyclic hydrocarbon with chemical formula C5H10 and CAS number 287-92-3, consisting of a ring of five carbon atoms each bonded with two hydrogen atoms above and below the plane. It occurs as a colorless liquid with a petrol-like odor. Its melting point is −94 °C and its boiling point is 49 °C. Cyclopentane is in the class of cycloalkanes, being alkanes that have one or more rings of carbon atoms.
It is formed by cracking cyclohexane in the presence of alumina at a high temperature and pressure.
Industrial usage
Cyclopentane is used in the manufacture of synthetic resins and rubber adhesives and also as a blowing agent in the manufacture of polyurethane insulating foam, as found in many domestic appliances such as refrigerators and freezers, replacing environmentally damaging alternatives such as CFC-11 and HCFC-141b[1]
More advanced technologies, such as computer hard drives and outerspace equipment employ multiply alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) lubricants because of their extremely low volatility.[2]
The United States produces more than half a million kilograms of this chemical per year.
Formulation of cycloalkanes
Cycloalkanes can be formulated via a process known as catalytic reforming.
For example, 2-methylbutane can be reformed into cyclopentane, by use of a platinum catalyst. This is particularly well known in automobiles, as branched alkanes will burn much more readily.
