NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

n-Pentane

CAS
109-66-0

CH3[CH2]3CH3

RTECS
RZ9450000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Pentane, normal-Pentane
DOT ID & Guide
1265 / 128

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: TWA 120 ppm (350 mg/m3) C 610 ppm (1800 mg/m3) [15-minute]
OSHA PEL†: TWA 1000 ppm (2950 mg/m3)
IDLH
1500 ppm [10%LEL] See: 109660
Conversion
1 ppm = 2.95 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor. [Note: A gas above 97°F. May be utilized as a fuel.]
MW: 72.2
BP: 97°F
FRZ: -202°F
Sol: 0.04%
VP: 420 mmHg
IP: 10.34 eV

Sp.Gr: 0.63
Fl.P: -57°F
UEL: 7.8%
LEL: 1.5%

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

Strong oxidizers
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1500; OSHA 7
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet (flammable)
Change: No recommendation

First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water wash promptly
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
Up to 1200 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator
Up to 1500 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, skin, nose; dermatitis; chemical pneumonitis (aspiration liquid); drowsiness; in animals: narcosis
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0534