2741. Cyclopentane

Nomenclature

CAS number: 287-92-3
Pentamethylene.
C5H10; mol wt 70.13.
C 85.63%, H 14.37%.

Description and references

Occurs in petroleum. Found in petr ether fractions. Prepd by cracking cyclohexane in the presence of alumina at high temps and pressure: Haensel, Ipatieff, Ind. Eng. Chem. 35, 632 (1943); by reduction of cyclopentadiene: David et al., Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. [5] 11, 561 (1944). Toxicity data: Lazarew, Arch. Exp. Pathol. Pharmakol. 149, 116 (1930).

Chemical structure

Properties

Mobile, mp -94.4°. bp 49.3°. d420 0.7460. nD20 1.4068. Flammable. Insol in water. Miscible with other hydrocarbon solvents, alcohol, ether. LC (2 hr in air) in mice: 110 mg/l (Lazarew).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin, nose and throat; lightheadedness, dizziness, euphoria, incoordination, nausea, vomiting, stupor; dry, cracking skin. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 86.