n-Pentane

72.14880

72.15

923-583-1

4FEX897A91

0534

72415

1265

DTXSID2025846|DTXSID5029001

Colorless liquid [Note: A gas above 97 degrees F. May be utilized as a fuel].

2930909019

0

2.19650

N-pentane appears as a clear colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. Flash point 57°F. Boiling point 97°F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors are heavier than air.

0.62638 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C

-129.7 °C

36.1 °C

-49ºC

1.358

ethanol: soluble (lit.)

2-8ºC

527mmHg at 25°C

2.48

LC (in air) in mice: 377 mg/l (Fühner)

Class IA Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP below 100°F.

vol% in air: 1.5.8

Pleasant

3.94e-12 cm3/molecule*sec

1.25 atm-m3/mole|Henry's Law constant = 1.25 atm-cu m/mole at 25 °C

Specific gravity: 0.64529 at 0 °C/4 °C; 0.62638 at 20 °C/4 °C; 0.6163 at 30 °C/4 °C|Heat of combustion: 3509.0 kJ/mol (liquid)|2.35 mg/cu m equals approx 1 ppm /from table/|Heat of fusion: 8.40 KJ/mol|For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for n-Pentane (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic Saturated

Highly Flammable

N-PENTANE is incompatible with strong oxidizers. It is also incompatible with strong acids, alkalis, and oxygen. Mixtures with chlorine gas have produced explosions. It will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. (NTP, 1992).

500 °F (USCG, 1999)|500 °F (260 °C)|260 °C

3272 kJ/mol (gas); 3245 kJ/mol (liquid)

10.34 eV

Lower flammable limit: 1.5% by volume; Upper flammable limit: 7.8% by volume.|Class IA Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP below 100°F.

The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. The vapour is heavier than air and may accumulate in lowered spaces causing a deficiency of oxygen.

Will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings.

26.43 kJ/mol at 25 °C

Critical temperature: 469.7 K; critical pressure: 3.37 MPa ; critical volume: 310 cu cm/mole

II

3

UN 1265

2

R12; R51/53; R65; R66; R67

S16-S29-S33-S61-S62-S9

RZ9450000

Xn

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.

P210-P301 + P310-P331-P370 + P378-P403 + P235

H225-H304-H336-H411

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.|Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.|The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for pentane: Biological treatment.

Strong oxidizers.|Contact with strong oxidizing agents may cause fires and explosions.

Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode (USCG, 1999)|Highly flammable. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.|Flammable - 4th degree

|Danger|H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]|P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P271, P273, P280, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P312, P331, P370+P378, P391, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501|H224 (10.52%): Extremely flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]|Aggregated GHS information provided by 1369 companies from 39 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]|P201, P202, P260, P264, P270, P280, P281, P301+P310, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P308+P313, P314, P321, P331, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P405, and P501|P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P271, P273, P280, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P331, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501|P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P271, P280, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P331, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 128 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material. LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2016)

Skin: Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard(i.e. for liquids with flash point Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the work shift. (NIOSH, 2016)|Employees should be provided with and required to use impervious clothing ... face shields (eight inch minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent repeated or prolonged skin contace with liquid pentane.|Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.|Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.|Respirator Recommendations: Up to 1200 ppm: [Table#342]|For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for n-Pentane (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.|(See protection codes)

Flammable in the presence of a source of ignition when the temperature is above the flash point.

Severe explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame.|Lower: 1.5%; upper: 7.8%.|Explosive limits , vol% in air: 1.5-7.8

Use water spry, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.|Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.|Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

Containers may explode.|Shock can shatter metal containers and release contents.

Evacuate danger area! consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignitino sources. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent...|1) Remove all ignition sources. 2) Ventilate area of spill or leak. 3) For small quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in a safe place (such as a fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely clear the hood ductwork. Burn the paper in a suitable location away from combustible materials.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.|Clothing wet with liquid pentane should be placed in closed containers for storage until it can be discarded or until provision is made for the removal of pentane from the clothing. If the clothing is to be laundered or otherwise cleaned to remove the pentane, the person performing the operation should be informed of pentane's hazardous properties.|Where there is any possibility that employees' eyes may be exposed to pentane, an eye-wash fountain should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use.|In addition to respirator selection, a complete respiratory protection program should be instituted which includes regular training, maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and evaluation.|For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for n-Pentane (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water. Substances may be transported hot. /Pentanes/|/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ Health: Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. /Pentanes/|/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. /Pentanes/|/GUIDE 128: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (NON-POLAR/WATER-IMMISCIBLE)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. /Pentanes/|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for n-Pentane (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

... Irritation of eyes, skin, nose.

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 1000 ppm (2950 mg/cu m).

Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hour Time-Weighted Average: 120 ppm (350 mg/cu m).|Recommended Exposure Limit: 15 Minute Ceiling Value: 610 ppm (1800 mg/cu m).

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours of low boiling point adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer.

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.

A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C.

If swallowed the substance easily enters the airways and could result in aspiration pneumonitis. Inhalation of high concentrations of the vapour may cause depression of the central nervous system.

The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with strong oxidizing agents. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.

Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety spectacles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. n-Pentane is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.

| 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.| 4 - Materials that rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily.| 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.

D001

n-Pentane was identified, not quantified, in a stack emission from waste incinerators(1). Three of five hazardous waste sites listed on the National Priorities List emitted gaseous n-pentane with a 25 to 75% frequency of occurrence(2). n-Pentane was also identified as a vapor emitted from landfills with an average and maximum concentration of 0.4 and 5.0 ppm, respectively(3). Land fill gas was found to contain n-pentane at a concentration of 0.4 ppm(4). A refinery located in Tulsa OK was attributed with emissions to the surrounding atmosphere where the n-pentane concentration was measured to be 46.4 and 81.7 ppb(5). The n-pentane content of the air downwind of a Mobil natural gas facility in Rio Blanco CO was 68.2 ppb(5). One of 11 groundwater monitoring wells near the Granby Landfill, CT contained n-pentane at a concentration of 20 ppb(6). Flue gases from a waste incinerator at Babylon, Long Island, NY was found to contain n-pentane at concentrations of 0.7 ppm or less(7).|n-Pentane was detected in 1 of 63 industrial wastewater effluents at a concentration between 10 and 100 ug/L(1). Underwater hydrocarbon vent discharges from offshore oil production platforms were found to contain n-pentane in the vapor phase at 260 umol/L of gas(2).|Data from Sept 2, 1979 identified pentane as a gaseous emission of the vehicle traffic through the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel of the Pennsylvania Turnpike(1). The average exhaust from 67 gasoline fueled vehicles was found to contain n-pentane at a concentration 3.3% by weight(2). n-Pentane from car exhaust ranged in concentration from 0.03 to 0.07 ppm with an average for 8 samples of 0.04 ppm(3). The average concentration of n-pentane for the exhaust of 46 automobiles was 1.7 weight % of total hydrocarbon content according to both the Federal test procedure and the New York City cycle(4). The emission of n-pentane from automobiles inside and outside a roadway tunnel in Los Angeles, CA was measured as 230 mg/L(5). The emission rate of n-pentane from the tailpipes of diesel powered trucks was measured as 1,860 mg/km(6). n-Pentane concentrations in gasoline and gasoline powered tailpipe emissions were 27,600 ug/g gasoline, 4,290 ug/km in a catalyst-equipped engine, 536,000 ug/km in a noncatalyst-equipped engine(7).

n-Pentane was detected in 3 of 4 sediment samples from Walvis Bay of the Namibian shelf of SW Africa at concentrations of 0.12, 0.19 and 0.78 ng/g(1).

Expected ground level n-pentane concentration in USA urban air: 0.05-0.35 ppm|URBAN/SUBRUBAN: The average n-pentane concentration in the air at the 6th floor of the Cooper Union Building in New York City, NY was 31, 34 and 25 ppb for 19, 12 and 10 samples taken in July 1978(1). In a 1979 study of 5 sites in NJ, n-pentane was identified, not quantified, in the air over cities of Newark and Elizabeth(1). The n-pentane concentration was 2.0, 1.0 and 1.0 ug/cu mm at 10, 15 and 40 miles, downwind of Janesville, WI on Aug 14, 1978(2). At Point Barrow, AK on Sept 2 and 3, 1967 n-pentane was detected in ambient air in 10 of 25 samples at concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 0.2 ppm(3). The average n-pentane concentration in the air on the 82nd floor of the Empire State Building in New York City, NY was 12, 18 and 11 ppb for 18, 21 and 17 samples taken in July 1978(4). At street level at the Empire State and World Trade Buildings in Manhattan, NY the average n-pentane concentration of 4 samples was 63 ppb in July 1978(4). In 1975 the average n-pentane concentration of 14 air samples taken between 5:30-8:30 AM and 12:30-3:30 PM at the World Trade Center in New York City, NY were 43 and 38 ppb, respectively(4). In 1975 the average n-pentane concentration of 11 and 8 air samples taken between 5:30-8:30 AM and 12:30-3:30 PM at the Interstate Sanitation Commission in New York City, NY were 87 and 101 ppb, respectively(4). n-Pentane was detected at an average concentration of 27.7 ug/cu m for 5 samples collected at the 82nd floor of the World Trade Center in New York City between 5:00-5:30 PM, Aug 23, 1977(5).|URBAN/SUBRUBAN: The ground level atmospheric concentration of n-pentane at 1:25 PM, was 9.1 ppb for Huntington Park, CA(1). At 1,500 ft the n-pentane concentration was 2.6 ppb at 7:43AM, and at 8:07AM at a height of 2,200 ft the n-pentane concentration was 1.1 ppb(1). The n-pentane concentration ranged from 9 to 34 ppb at a downtown Los Angeles location for the Fall of 1981(2). From Aug 12, 1960 to Nov 18, 1960 the air of downtown Los Angeles ranged in n-pentane concentration from 0.012 to 0.064 ppm with an average for 16 samples of 0.034 ppm(3). The ambient air of Riverside, CA was found to contain n-pentane at a concentration of 22.4 ppb at 7:30AM Sept 24, 1968(4). At 8:05-8:25AM on Mar 3, 1966 the n-pentane concentration for a 2nd floor and roof top sample at the County Health and Finance Building in Riverside, CA were 18.6 and 17.0 ppb, respectively(4,5). The n-pentane concentration for a 2nd floor sample at the County Health and Finance Building in Riverside, CA was 60.0 ppb at 7:40-8:00 AM December 22, 1965(5). The n-pentane concentration at 1,100 ft just east of Antioch CA was 3.5 ug/cu m, at 1,000 ft near Pittsburg, CA was 7.5 ug/cu m, at 1,100 ft over Carquinez Strait, CA was 1.5 ug/cu m and at 1,000 ft over San Pablo Bay, CA was 0.5 ug/ cu m(6). n-Pentane was detected at an average concentration of 18.75 ug/cu m in the air of Los Angeles, California during a smog event on September 8-9 1993(7).|URBAN/SUBURBAN: The n-pentane concentration for 6 sites in Rio Blanco, CO ranged from 1.3 to 68.2 ppb with an average of 14.2 ppb(1). The average n-pentane concentration at 4 sites in Tulsa, OK was 44.6 ppb with a range of 12.2 to 81.7 ppb(1). The 1977 maximum and average concentration of 676 samples for n-pentane at a site in Houston, TX was 190 and 27 ppb, respectively(2). The average n-pentane concentration from 6 to 9 AM in Houston, TX was 42 ppb(3). n-Pentane was detected in all 16 air samples from Houston, TX ranging in concentration from 7.7 to 567.6 ppm with an average of 175.9 ppm(4). n-Pentane was detected in 7 out of 15 samples at concentrations from 0.007 to 0.045 ppm in downtown Houston, TX on July 18, 1973(5). n-Pentane was detected at 3.8 ppb in Chicago, IL(6).|For more Atmospheric Concentrations (Complete) data for n-Pentane (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

An air sample taken near an oil fire was found to contain n-pentane and n-pentene at a combined concentration of 0.51 mg/cu m(1). n-Pentane is present in liquid gasoline vapors at 2.4 and 3.2 wt% in summer and winter formulations, respectively, and in headspace vapors at 8.3 and 7.8 wt% in summer and winter formulations, respectively(2). The concentration of n-pentane vapors averaged 88.6 ppm at excavation sites for removing gasoline storage tanks(3).|n-Pentane was identified as a volatile released from dairy silage and other feedstuffs on dairy farms in California's San Joaquin Valley. Of the silage samples of corn, alfalfa, cereal, almond hulls, and almond shells collected from a typical (approximately 3000 cows) commercial dairy in Yolo County, n-pentane was identified in high mixture ground corn and almond shells at concentrations of 0.18 and 0.09 nL/L, respectively(1).|Analysis of six fine (foliar) fuels common to fire-prone US ecosystems revealed the presence of n-pentane in the primarily carbonaceous PM2.5 particulate matter as follows (biomass type (mg/kg biomass burned): in Pinaceae - loblolly pine (27.8); Western hemlock (28.0; Ponderosa pine (54.0); in mixed ecosystems: Acereae/Fagaceae (21.3); Palmea/Pinaceae (18.4): Poceae/Pinaceae (23.7)(1). n-Pentane emission factors from various cookstoves used in China were as follows (mg/kg dry fuel (stove type; "v" indicates flue)): 0.101 (Honey metal-v); 1.13 (Honey-metal): 0.183 (Honey-imp); 1.74 (coal briquette-metal); 167 (wash coal-metal-v; 60.8 (coal-metal-v); 2.20 (coal-brick-v); 1.64 (wheat-brick-v); 2.93 (maize-brick-v); 0.249 (maize-imp-v); 0.300 (coal gas-traditional); 0.982 (natural gas-traditional). The compound was not detected in emissions from wood-brick-v, wood-imp-v, Kero-wick nor LPG traditional stoves(2).

Pentane is a weak cardiac sensitizer of the dog heart to epinephrine.

LC50 Rat inhalation 364 g/cu m/4H|LD50 Mouse intravenous 446 mg/kg.

Persons with skin disorders may be more susceptible to the effects of this agent. ... In persons with impaired pulmonary function, especially those with obstructive airway diseases, the breathing of pentane might cause exacerbation of symptoms due to its irritant properties.

n-Pentane is a constituent in the paraffin fraction of crude oil and natural gas(1).

n-Pentane's production and use as a general laboratory solvent, a solvent for polymerization reactions, and as a raw material in the synthesis of olefins and other industrial chemicals(1) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). The vast majority of n-pentane is released to the environment through the manufacture, use, and disposal of many products associated with the petroleum industry and the combustion of gasoline(1,2).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 72(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that n-pentane is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of n-pentane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 1.25 atm-cu m/mole(3). n-Pentane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 514 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Screening studies have shown that n-pentane is biodegradable under aerobic conditions(5,6), and these studies suggest that this compound will biodegrade in soil; however, volatilization from soil is expected to be the dominant environmental fate process of n-pentane(SRC).|AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 72(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that n-pentane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.25 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2.5 hrs and 3.4 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 80(SRC), from its log Kow of 3.39(6) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC). Screening studies have shown that n-pentane is biodegradable under aerobic conditions(8,9), and these studies suggest that this compound will biodegrade in water; however, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be the dominant environmental fate process of n-pentane(SRC).|ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), n-pentane, which has a vapor pressure of 514 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-pentane is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3 days(3), calculated from its rate constant of 3.94X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(4). n-Pentane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(5) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of n-pentane with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 3.94X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 3 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). n-Pentane is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). n-Pentane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).|Photooxidation of n-pentane by ultraviolet light in aqueous medium at 50 °C: 31% degradation to carbon dioxide after 24 hr

An estimated BCF of 80 was calculated for n-pentane(SRC), using a log Kow of 3.39(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate(SRC).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of n-pentane can be estimated to be 72(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that n-pentane is expected to have high mobility in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for n-pentane is 1.25 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that n-pentane is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 2.5 hours(3). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 3.4 days(3). n-Pentane's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). n-Pentane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 514 mm Hg(4).

GROUNDWATER: n-Pentane was detected in 1 of 11 groundwater monitoring wells near the Granby Landfill, CT at a concentration of 20 ppb(1).|DRINKING WATER: n-Pentane was listed as one of the many organic chemicals identified in drinking water in the US as of 1974(1-3).|SURFACE WATER: n-Pentane was identified, not quantified, in Delaware River water at Philadelphia, PA(1). n-Pentane was listed as a contaminant present in the waters of Lake Ontario(2). The Inner Harbor Navigation Canal of Lake Pontchartrain at New Orleans, LA was found to contain n-pentane at an average concentration for 8 samples of 2.4 ppb on May 6, 1980(3). All 8 near surface sea water samples from the intertropical Indian Ocean contained unspecified amounts of n-pentane(4).

n-Pentane was identified as a volatile constituent of freshly cooked fried chicken(1) and chickpeas(2).

n-Pentane was detected in 8 of 12 samples of mothers breast milk from the cities of Bayonne NJ, Jersey City NJ, Bridgeville, PA and Baton Rouge LA(1).

According to the 2006 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed in the industrial manufacturing, processing, and use of n-pentane is 1000 or greater; the data may be greatly underestimated(1).|NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 38,465 workers (10,889 of these were female) were potentially exposed to n-pentane in the US(1). Occupational exposure to n-pentane occurs primarily via inhalation and dermal exposure(SRC). A 1984 study showed n-pentane was emitted from gasoline exposing outside operators at the refineries to an average air concentration of 1.168 mg/cu m; n-pentane was detected in 46 of 56 samples(2). Transport drivers were exposed to n-pentane at atmospheric concentration of 4.570 mg/cu m and n-pentane was detected in 48 of 49 air samples(2). Gas station attendants were exposed to n-pentane at atmospheric concentration of 5.428 mg/cu m and n-pentane was detected in 48 of 49 samples(2). Tank contractors were exposed to vapors containing n-pentane at concentration of 37.4 ppm at gasoline tank removal sites(3). Attendants at a high volume service station in eastern PA were exposed to levels of n-pentane ranging from 0.1 to 1.7 ppm for 18 of 18 air samples(4). Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to n-pentane primarily via inhalation of ambient air(SRC).|n-Pentane levels inside the cabins of highway patrol vehicles were measured at an ambient (northern Raleigh, NC) and a roadside location (Wake Co near major traffic routes), respectively. Measurements from two cars were taken during 25 workshifts (3PM to midnight) in the autumn of 2001 in Chapel Hill, NC. The compound was not detected in the patrol cars but was detected with a cluster analysis distance values of 0.2 at the roadside site(1).

n-Pentane was detected in 8 of 12 samples of mothers breast milk from the cities of Bayonne NJ, Jersey City NJ, Bridgeville PA and Baton Rouge LA(1).

... From results of studies which measured respiratory absorption of n-hexane and n-heptane ... significant absorption of pentane via the lungs /can be predicted/. ... Dermal absorption of liquid n-pentane would not be expected to be significant, since it would rapidly evaporate from the skin ... /Under occluded conditions/ n-pentane penetrates through full-thickness rat skin at a rate of 2.2 ug/sq cm/hr. ... It does partition into human tissues and blood. n-Pentane was found to be less soluble in blood than n-hexane or n-heptane. The measured blood/air partition coefficient was found to be 0.38, 0.80, and 1.9 for n-pentane, n-hexane, and n-heptane, respectively. Of seven tissues studied, n-pentane showed the highest solublility in adipose tissue followed by brain, liver, muscle, kidney, lung, and heart.

Excessive lipid peroxidation occurs in various diseases. However, even in health low levels of lipid peroxidation can be detected by measuring the pulmonary excretion of pentane. Lipid peroxidation has been postulated to be one of the causes of the ageing process. In order to test whether pentane excretion is related to age, we measured breath pentane in 47 healthy subjects (ages 21-79). We also measured serum levels of the antioxidants tocopherol, retinol, lycopene, beta carotene, ascorbate and zinc. We found that pentane excretion significantly (P < 0.05, r = 0.32) increased with age. Of the six antioxidants measured, only lycopene decreased significantly (P < 0.05, r = -0.47) with age, however, this decline did not statistically correlate with pentane excretion. The remaining five antioxidants either remained stable or increased over the age range studied. We conclude that lipid peroxidation, as assessed by pentane excretion, increases with advancing age but that this increase is independent of dietary antioxidant levels. /SRP: Pentane is formed from the lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids/|... The metabolism of n-pentane is saturable. The metabolic elimination rate was shown to be dependent on the atmospheric concn of n-pentane. Aliphatic hydroxylation is the major pathway by which n-pentane is metabolized. ... 2-Pentanol /was found/ to be the major metabolite (83-89%) formed in rat and rabbit liver microsomes. 3-Pentanol was also detected as a minor metabolite (11-16%). Ketone and aldehyde metabolites of n-pentane and 1-pentanol were not detected in the microsomal incubation mixture. ... 2- and 3-pentanol are metabolized in rats and rabbits to glucuronic acid conjugates or oxidized to ketone products that are excreted in the urine or expired air. Therefore, pentanol metabolites arising from the metabolism of n-pentane would also be expected to undergo similar metabolic transformation. ...

5.00 Days|... Gas-uptake pharmacokinetic studies in rats ... /have shown/ the elimination half-life of n-pentane to be about 0.13 hr.

Low toxicity. Very high vapor concentrations produce narcosis. Aspiration into lungs can produce chemical pneumonitis and/or pulmonary edema. (USCG, 1999)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)|(See procedures)

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible).

Call for medical aid. Vapor, if inhaled, will cause dizziness or difficult breathing. Move to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Liquid is harmful if swallowed. ... Do not induce vomiting.|Inhalation: remove from exposure; support respiration if needed. Ingestion: do not induce vomiting; call physician.|Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Aliphatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated charcoal ... . Treat frostbite with rapid rewarming techniques ... ./Aliphatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously.Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Aliphatic hydrocarbons and related compounds/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Pentane is a CNS depressant, but is not as effective as the C1-C4 gases. The intensity of CNS depression appears generally to decr with increasing molecular weight, but increases for the highly symmetrical cmpds. Only a small increment in dose separates CNS depression and lethality. The aspiration hazard of pentane is considerably less than that of kerosene, octane, nonane, or decane.|/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Dermal effects of pentane vapors applied to the skin of 5 volunteers were studied. Erythema, hyperemia, swelling, and pigmentation were observed after dermal exposure. The volunteers complained of a constant burning sensation accompanied by itching, and blisters after 5 hr of exposure. There was no evidence of anesthetic effects on the skin. When pentane was removed after 5 hr, pain continued for 15 min.|/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Volunteers exposed to 5,000 ppm pentane for 10 min showed no mucous membrane irritation or other symptoms.|/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Volunteers suffered from painful burning sensations, accompanied by itching, after topical application of pentane; after 5 hours, blisters formed on the treated areas.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for n-Pentane (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

n-pentane

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

irritation eyes, skin, nose; dermatitis; chemical pneumonitis (aspiration liquid); drowsiness; In Animals: narcosis

Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness.

Dry skin.

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system

Grades: pure, technical, commercial.

All other petroleum and coal products manufacturing|Pentane: ACTIVE|Alkanes, C4-6: ACTIVE|Occurs in petroleum. Constituent of petroleum ether

Method: NIOSH 1500, Issue 3, Hydrocarbons, BP 36-216 °C; Procedure: gas chromatography with flame ionization detector; Analyte: n-pentane; Matrix: air; Detection Limit: 0.6 ug/sample.|Method: NIOSH 2549, Issue 1, Volatile Organic Compounds (Screening); Procedure: thermal desorption, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry; Analyte: n-pentane; Matrix: air; Detection Limit: 100 ng per tube or less.|Method: OSHA 7, Organic Vapors; Procedure: gas chromatography with flame ionization detection; Analyte: n-pentane; Matrix: air; Detection Limit: not provided.

Fatty Acyls [FA] -> Hydrocarbons [FA11]|Fire Hazards -> Flammable - 4th degree|Cosmetics -> Propellant; Solvent