1. OSHA Occupational Chemical Database
  2. PENTANE
Label abbreviations descriptions

PENTANE†

Chemical Identification
Chemical Identification
CAS # 109-66-0
Formula

C₅H₁₂
Synonyms

n-pentane; normal pentane; amyl hydride
Physical Properties
Physical Properties
Physical description Colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor.
Boiling point 97°F Molecular weight 72.2
Freezing point/melting point -202°F Vapor pressure 420 mmHg
Flash point -57°F Vapor density 2.48
Specific gravity 0.63 Ionization potential 10.34 eV
Lower explosive limit (LEL) 1.5% Upper explosive limit (UEL) 7.8%
NFPA health rating 1 NFPA fire rating 4
NFPA reactivity rating 0 NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs
Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.) 1990
Sampling group OVSG-1
Sampler/Sampling media CSC tube (100/50 mg) [SKC 226-01]
Sampling time*

45 min
Sampling volume (TWA)*

2.25 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)*

0.05 L/min
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*
Analytical method instruments GC-FID
Method reference OSHA 5000 (fully validated)
Notes
Special requirements

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Wipe Method
Wipe Method
Sampler/Sampling media
Bulk Method
Bulk Method
 

 
On-Site Screening Techniques
On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)
Exposure Limits
Exposure Limits
OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA
 

1000 ppm (2950 mg/m³)

 REL-TWA
 

120 ppm (350 mg/m³)

 TLV-TWA
 

1000 ppm [2013]

 PEL-TWA
 

600 ppm (1800 mg/m³)
PEL-STEL
 

 

 REL-STEL
 

 

 TLV-STEL
 

 

 PEL-STEL
 

 
PEL-C
 

 

 REL-C
 

610 ppm (1800 mg/m³) [15 min]

 TLV-C
 

 

 PEL-C
 

 
Skin notation
 

N

 Skin notation
 

N

 Skin notation
 

N

 Skin notation
 

N
Notes:
 

See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1. OSHA Construction and Maritime Industry PEL is 500 ppm (1500 mg/m³) as an 8-hr TWA. See 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A and 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards.

 Notes:
 

 

 Notes:
 

 

 Notes:
 

 
Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH
 

1500 ppm
Carcinogenic classifications: Not listed Notes:
 

10% of LEL
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:
 

 
Additional Resources and Literature References
Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - N-Pentane

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - n-Pentane

Literature References

 
  • ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Pentane, all isomers. See annual publication for most recent information.
  • Galvin, J.B. and Marashi, F.: n-Pentane. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health 58(1-2): 35-56, 1999.
  • Loiseaux-Meunier, M.N., Bedu, M., Gentou, C., Pepin, D., Coudert, J. and Caillaud, D.: Basal production of pentane in expired gas from healthy humans. Clin. Chim. Acta 310(2): 123-130, 2001.
  • Pohanish, R.P. (editor): Pentane. Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens, Fourth Ed., Vol. 2. Norwich, NY: Noyes Publications, William Andrew Publishing, 2002, pp. 1805-1807.

Last Updated Date : 04/13/2021