Pentane facts for kids

Pentane is a type of chemical compound that is made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Its chemical formula is C₅H₁₂. This means each molecule of pentane has 5 carbon atoms and 12 hydrogen atoms. Pentane belongs to a group of chemicals called alkanes, which are known for being very stable.

When people say "pentane," they usually mean any of the three different forms (called isomers) that have the same chemical formula but different arrangements of atoms. These are n-pentane, isopentane, and neopentane. However, in official chemistry rules (from the IUPAC), the name pentane specifically refers to n-pentane. The other two isomers have different official names: 2-methylbutane and 2,2-dimethylpropane.

What are Pentane's Isomers?

Pentane has three different forms, or isomers. These isomers all have the same number of carbon and hydrogen atoms (C₅H₁₂), but their atoms are connected in different ways. Think of it like building blocks: you have the same number of blocks, but you can arrange them to make different shapes.

• n-pentane is a straight chain of five carbon atoms.
• Isopentane (also called 2-methylbutane) has a main chain of four carbon atoms with one carbon atom branching off.
• Neopentane (also called 2,2-dimethylpropane) has a central carbon atom connected to four other carbon atoms, making it look like a cross.

These different arrangements give each isomer slightly different properties, even though they are made of the same basic parts.

Common Name	normal pentane unbranched pentane n-pentane	isopentane	neopentane
Official Name (IUPAC)	pentane	2-methylbutane	2,2-dimethylpropane
Molecular Diagram	A diagram showing the atoms in n-pentane.	A diagram showing the atoms in isopentane.	A diagram showing the atoms in neopentane.
Skeletal Diagram	A simpler skeletal diagram of n-pentane.	A simpler skeletal diagram of isopentane.	A simpler skeletal diagram of neopentane.

How Pentane Reacts

Like many other alkanes, pentane can burn when it mixes with oxygen. This process is called combustion. When pentane burns completely, it produces carbon dioxide gas and water vapor. This reaction releases energy, which is why pentane can be used as a fuel.

Here's the chemical equation for pentane burning:

C₅H₁₂+8O₂->5CO₂+6H₂O.

This equation shows that one molecule of pentane reacts with eight molecules of oxygen to create five molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water.

Images for kids

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  Skeletal formula of pentane

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  Skeletal formula of pentane with all explicit hydrogens added

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  Pentane 3D ball model

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  Pentane 3D space-filling model

See also

In Spanish: Pentano para niños