Pentane Fluids · Isopentane · Pentane 80 · Pentane 100 · European B2B Sourcing

Pentane Fluids: blowing agents, polymer processing, aerosol

Very volatile C5 hydrocarbon fluids with very low aromatic content (typically ≤0.001 wt%), low sulphur (typically ≤1 mg/kg), and very narrow boiling fractions. The commercial pentane family covers three typical grades: high-purity isopentane (boiling ~27–29°C), an 80:20 n-pentane/isopentane blend (Pentane 80, boiling ~34–35°C), and high-purity n-pentane (Pentane 100, boiling ~36–37°C). Used as blowing agents in EPS and PU foam, in polymer processing, aerosol propellant blends, cosmetics and personal care, and specialty industrial applications.

All three grades are PG I flammable liquids (UN 1265, class 3) under ADR, RID, IMDG and IATA, with very low flash points (typically −55 to −48°C). This is the most stringent flammability classification in the C5 hydrocarbon family and is the structural starting point for any procurement, transport and site handling discussion.

Most pentane enquiries originate from EPS foam producers, polyurethane foam systems houses, polyolefin compounders working with chemical foaming, aerosol formulators and personal care manufacturers. The grade choice is rarely interchangeable, the EPS recipe and the foam density target typically dictate which variant is acceptable.

All values on this page are indicative, based on typical grade properties across European supply markets. They are not specification limits. Final grade specification, SDS and documentation are issued directly by the relevant supplier at the point of offer.

Market reality: pentane availability is route-dependent and is sometimes seasonally constrained, EPS season demand and polymer foaming campaign cycles affect short-lead-time availability. Confirmation of availability for any specific grade and volume is route- and timing-dependent.

Important for this family: isopentane, Pentane 80 and Pentane 100 are not interchangeable in formulation. The three grades have different vapour pressures, evaporation rates, and blowing behaviour. EPS and PU foam recipes often specify a particular pentane variant or blend ratio as part of the formulation, not as a sourcing decision.

Three typical commercial gradesIsopentane (CAS 78-78-4) ~27–29°C IBP. Pentane 80 (80:20 n/iso blend) ~34–35°C IBP. Pentane 100 (n-pentane, CAS 109-66-0) ~36–37°C IBP.

All PG I flammable liquidsUN 1265 Pentanes, class 3, packing group I. Flash points typically −55 to −48°C. CLP: Flam. Liq. 1, Asp. Tox. 1, STOT SE 3 (narcosis), Aquatic Chronic 2.

Very high purity, low aromaticsAromatic content typically ≤0.001–0.002 wt%. Benzene typically ≤2–20 mg/kg depending on grade. Sulphur typically ≤1 mg/kg. Saybolt colour typically +30.

EPS, foam & polymer processingThe dominant European application by volume is blowing agent in EPS production, where Pentane 80 and Pentane 100 are the most common. Isopentane is selected where lower density EPS or faster expansion is required.

Request availability & SDS See the grade catalog

Evaluating alternatives outside the pentane family? See isohexane for a slightly heavier C6 light hydrocarbon, or hexane for a higher boiling point still in the light range.

A good first response

What you typically need from a pentane enquiry

A useful first response confirms which grade fits your formulation (isopentane, blend or n-pentane), volumes and packaging available on the relevant route, and whether the typical sales specification matches your downstream requirements (EPS recipe, polymer foam process, aerosol grade).

Grade confirmation: isopentane, Pentane 80 (80:20 blend) or Pentane 100 (n-pentane)

Volume, packaging and frequency, bulk RTC, ISO tank or IBC, recurring or spot

Sales specification snapshot for the relevant supply route, with EU SDS

Lead time and PG I dangerous goods documentation expectations

Application context (EPS, PU foam, polymer processing, aerosol, personal care) so grade and recipe-fit can be cross-checked

Typical IBP range~27 to ~37°C

Flash point~−55 to ~−48°C

TransportUN 1265 PG I

Aromatic contentTypically ≤0.001 wt%

How Alcoris Works

An information and enquiry-routing service

Alcoris is an independent information and enquiry-routing service. We publish technical and commercial reference material on hydrocarbon solvents and related industrial chemicals. We are not a trader, distributor, or supplier, and we do not sell product.

Enquiries submitted through this site are forwarded to one or more independent third-party suppliers in our network who operate in the relevant product category. Those suppliers may then offer to supply on their own commercial terms. Any resulting supply contract is concluded directly between you and the supplier. Alcoris is not a party to that contract.

All grade descriptions, typical property values and commercial framings on this page are editorial in nature, based on the structure of the European pentane supply market. Specification, classification and batch-level documentation for any specific delivery are issued by the relevant supplier.

Market reality

The pentane family in practice, three grades, three different formulation roles

Pentane is often presented in catalogues as a single product with three minor variants. In practice, EPS recipe books and PU foam systems documentation treat each variant as a distinct ingredient. The blend ratio in Pentane 80, the higher purity of isopentane, and the n-pentane majority of Pentane 100 each correspond to different process windows and end-product properties.

EPS is the dominant European application

Expanded polystyrene production is the largest single-application volume for pentane in Europe. The blowing agent is impregnated into polystyrene beads during suspension polymerisation or post-impregnation, and is released during the steam expansion step. The choice between isopentane, Pentane 80 and Pentane 100 affects bead expansion kinetics, foam density and dimensional stability. EPS producers typically specify a particular grade or blend ratio as part of the recipe, not as a sourcing flexibility.

PG I transport is consistent across all three grades

All three pentane variants are PG I flammable liquids under UN 1265 with flash points well below −40°C. ADR, RID, IMDG and IATA all classify them as class 3 dangerous goods with the most restrictive packing group. Site handling, storage and transport documentation are therefore essentially identical across the three grades, the differentiation between them is on the product side, not the logistics side.

CLP load is essentially constant

The three pentane grades carry the same CLP classification load: Flam. Liq. 1 (H224), Asp. Tox. 1 (H304), STOT SE 3 narcosis (H336), and Aquatic Chronic 2 (H411), with EUH066 supplemental warning. The signal word is Danger across all three. This means switching between pentane variants typically does not change site safety classification, REACH dossier scope or labelling, the choice is driven by product performance, not regulatory positioning.

Purity differences matter for non-EPS applications

Where pentane is used outside EPS, in cosmetics carriers, polymer processing aids, aerosol formulations or specialty industrial cleaning, the purity profile starts to drive grade selection. Isopentane S typically carries a tighter benzene specification (~≤2 mg/kg) and a defined density range (~620–630 kg/m³) versus Pentane 100 where benzene is typically specified at ≤20 mg/kg. For consumer-facing or pharma-adjacent applications, the variant choice may be specification-led.

Grade catalog, 1 of 3

Isopentane, the lightest pentane variant

High-purity branched C5 (2-methylbutane). The lowest boiling point of the three pentane variants, the highest vapour pressure, and the fastest evaporation. Used where rapid expansion or volatile carrier behaviour is the formulation requirement, including low-density EPS, certain PU foam systems, and aerosol propellant blends. Cosmetics-grade variants (treated for odour reduction) are also commercially available.

Property	Typical value	Note
CAS / EC number	78-78-4 / 201-142-8	2-Methylbutane
Initial boiling point	~27°C	Lowest of the three pentane variants
Final boiling point	~29°C	Very narrow distillation range
Flash point	~−55°C	Most stringent of the three
Density at 15°C	~620–630 kg/m³	Lightest density in the family
Vapour pressure at 20°C	~78 kPa	Highest vapour pressure
Evaporation rate	~6100 (n-BuAc=100)	Fastest evaporating
Aromatic content	≤0.001 wt%	Typically tightest aromatic specification in the family
Benzene content	≤2 mg/kg	Tightest benzene specification of the three
Sulphur content	≤1 mg/kg	Very low sulphur
Purity	≥95 wt%	High-purity grade (S-suffix variants treated for odour)

Typical property ranges for high-purity isopentane in European supply. Exact values depend on producer, sales specification region and current PDS/CoA issued by the relevant supplier.

Where isopentane fits: selected when low-density EPS production, faster bead expansion, or rapid evaporation in aerosol/cosmetic carrier applications is required. Higher vapour pressure makes site handling more demanding (vapour space management, recovery system design) but is the structural reason isopentane is used. Where standard EPS density and predictable expansion kinetics are acceptable, Pentane 80 or Pentane 100 are usually the more commercial choice.

Grade catalog, 2 of 3

Pentane 80, the n-pentane / isopentane blend

A defined commercial blend of approximately 80% n-pentane and 20% isopentane. The middle position in the pentane family, used as the workhorse blowing agent in standard EPS production where the blend ratio is part of the recipe. The defined isopentane content (typically 18–22 wt%) is a sales-specification parameter, not a side effect of refining, this is what distinguishes Pentane 80 from a one-off n-pentane batch with isopentane impurities.

Property	Typical value	Note
Composition	~80% n-C5 / ~20% iC5	Defined blend, typically 18–22 wt% isopentane
iC5 + nC5 content	≥99 wt%	Very high combined C5 purity
Initial boiling point	~34°C	Between isopentane and Pentane 100
Final boiling point	~35°C	Very narrow distillation range
Flash point	~−50°C	PG I flammable liquid
Density at 15°C	~631 kg/m³	Slightly heavier than isopentane
Vapour pressure at 20°C	~61 kPa	Lower than isopentane, higher than Pentane 100
Evaporation rate	~4700 (n-BuAc=100)	Intermediate evaporation
Aromatic content	≤0.001 wt%	Very low aromatics
Benzene content	≤5 mg/kg	Tighter than Pentane 100, looser than isopentane
Sulphur content	≤1 mg/kg	Very low sulphur

Typical property ranges for Pentane 80 (80:20 n-pentane / isopentane blend) in European supply. Exact values depend on producer, sales specification region and current PDS/CoA issued by the relevant supplier.

Where Pentane 80 fits: standard EPS production where the 80:20 ratio is part of the recipe and the resulting bead expansion behaviour is the validated process condition. Also used in PU foam systems, polymer processing and consumer/aerosol applications where the intermediate vapour pressure and evaporation rate match the formulation. The blend ratio matters: a request for “pentane” without specifying the ratio typically defaults to either Pentane 80 or Pentane 100 depending on the supplier’s standard offer, the implicit choice should be made explicit at enquiry stage.

Grade catalog, 3 of 3

Pentane 100, high-purity n-pentane

High-purity n-pentane (n-C5) with isopentane content typically below 5 wt%. The slowest-evaporating and lowest vapour pressure of the three pentane variants. Selected where n-pentane majority is the formulation requirement, including some EPS recipes, polymer processing applications and where consistency of a single-isomer C5 is preferred over a defined blend.

Property	Typical value	Note
CAS / EC number (n-pentane)	109-66-0 / 203-692-4	n-Pentane majority
n-Pentane purity	≥94 wt%	High-purity n-pentane
iC5 + nC5 content	≥99 wt%	Very high combined C5 purity
Isopentane content	≤5 wt%	Minor secondary component
Cyclopentane & C6 content	≤1.4 wt%	Limited heavier components
Initial boiling point	~36°C	Highest IBP of the three pentane variants
Final boiling point	~37°C	Very narrow distillation range
Flash point	~−48°C	PG I flammable liquid
Density at 15°C	~632 kg/m³	Heaviest of the three
Vapour pressure at 20°C	~56 kPa	Lowest vapour pressure of the three
Evaporation rate	~4400 (n-BuAc=100)	Slowest-evaporating of the three
Aromatic content	≤0.002 wt%	Very low aromatics
Benzene content	≤20 mg/kg	Looser than isopentane and Pentane 80
Sulphur content	≤1 mg/kg	Very low sulphur

Typical property ranges for high-purity n-pentane (Pentane 100) in European supply. Exact values depend on producer, sales specification region and current PDS/CoA issued by the relevant supplier.

Where Pentane 100 fits: n-pentane-led formulations where consistency of the linear C5 isomer is more important than the volatility profile of a blend. The looser benzene specification compared to isopentane S means Pentane 100 is typically not the first choice for cosmetics or pharma-adjacent applications, those generally specify isopentane S or a tighter-spec equivalent. For EPS and polymer foam, however, Pentane 100 is widely used as the slow-evaporating, n-pentane-rich variant.

Where pentane is used

Where pentane fluids are typically specified

The dominant European application by volume is blowing agent in expanded polystyrene production, but pentane is specified across a number of polymer, aerosol and specialty industrial uses. Each application has a typical grade preference based on volatility, purity and cost.

Polymer foam

Expanded polystyrene (EPS)

The largest single application by volume in Europe. Pentane is incorporated as the blowing agent during suspension polymerisation or post-impregnation. Pentane 80 and Pentane 100 are most common; isopentane is selected for low-density and rapid-expansion variants. Recipe-driven choice.

Polymer foam

Polyurethane (PU) foam systems

Used as a co-blowing agent in some PU rigid foam systems, particularly insulation panels and refrigeration foams. Often paired with HFCs, HFOs or water as part of a multi-component blowing system. Grade selected based on vapour pressure match with the polyol-isocyanate reaction profile.

Polymer processing

Polyolefin foam & compounding

Chemical foaming of polyolefins (PE, PP) with pentane co-injection. Also used as a process aid in some specialty compounding lines where a low-boiling, low-aromatic hydrocarbon carrier is required.

Consumer / aerosol

Aerosol propellant blends

Used as a component in hydrocarbon propellant blends for aerosol products. Isopentane S (cosmetics-grade with reduced odour) is typically specified for personal care aerosols where low residual odour is required.

Cosmetics & personal care

Volatile carrier & coolant

Used in some hair care, skin care and aerosol cosmetic products as a volatile carrier or coolant. Isopentane S (treated for odour) is the typical grade. Tight benzene specification matters here.

Specialty industrial

Cleaning, coatings, laboratory

Specialty cleaning of electronics, precision degreasing, low-temperature laboratory applications and as a reference solvent. Lower-volume applications relative to polymer foam, but specification-sensitive.

Grade selection logic

How to choose between isopentane, Pentane 80 and Pentane 100, the practical decision tree

Because all three grades share the same regulatory and transport classification (PG I, UN 1265, identical CLP load), the selection logic is driven by formulation, purity and supply preference, not by safety or compliance positioning.

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Start with the recipe. EPS, PU foam and aerosol formulations typically specify a particular pentane variant or blend ratio. The recipe is the first input, not the price comparison. If your formulation specifies Pentane 80, do not substitute Pentane 100 without process validation.
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Then check purity sensitivity. If the application is consumer-facing (cosmetics, aerosol personal care), specify isopentane S with the tighter benzene specification (~≤2 mg/kg). If the application is industrial polymer foam, all three grades are usually acceptable from a benzene perspective.
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Then check vapour pressure / evaporation rate. Isopentane (~78 kPa, ~6100 evap rate) is the fastest. Pentane 100 (~56 kPa, ~4400 evap rate) is the slowest. Pentane 80 sits in between. If your process requires fast expansion or rapid evaporation, isopentane is preferred. If a slower, more controlled release is required, Pentane 100.
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Then check route availability. Not every grade is equally available on every route at every time. Bulk RTC of Pentane 80 is generally most available because it is the highest-volume EPS grade. ISO tank or IBC of isopentane S can be more route-dependent.
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Avoid generic “pentane” specifications. If your enquiry just says “pentane”, the supplier will default to either Pentane 80 or Pentane 100 depending on their standard offer. The implicit choice should be made explicit at enquiry stage to avoid requalification later.

If you need help structuring the enquiry: Alcoris can route the enquiry to suppliers in the network and request a comparative quote across the relevant variants if your formulation flexibility allows it. Where the recipe is fixed, we route to the supplier(s) most likely to have current availability of that specific grade.

Buying checklist

What serious buyers check before sending a pentane enquiry

For pentane fluids, the buying checklist is shorter than for many other hydrocarbon families because the regulatory profile is fixed (PG I across all three grades). The differentiation is on grade, purity, packaging and route.

Step 1

Specify the grade explicitly

Isopentane / isopentane S, Pentane 80 (80:20 blend) or Pentane 100 (n-pentane). Avoid the generic word “pentane” alone, it forces an implicit choice on the supplier side.

Step 2

Specify volume, packaging, frequency

Bulk RTC, ISO tank or IBC. Recurring quarterly contract or one-off spot. Pentane 80 in bulk is the most available combination; specialty packaging or grades may have longer lead times.

Step 3

Confirm site PG I capability

All pentane variants are PG I flammable liquids. Site receiving, storage and handling must be qualified for PG I class 3 dangerous goods. This is a precondition, not a negotiation.

Step 4

Request current SDS & PDS

EU SDS in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 Annex II as amended. Current PDS / sales specification snapshot for the grade and supply route. Both at the enquiry stage, not the offer stage.

Step 5

Clarify application context

EPS, PU foam, polymer processing, aerosol, personal care. The application drives recipe and grade fit. Give the supplier enough context to confirm grade compatibility, not just availability.

Step 6

Define decision criteria upfront

Fixed grade with price comparison across suppliers, or grade-flexible with comparative quote across variants. Stating this at enquiry stage avoids requalification and saves a round in the loop.

Why Alcoris

Why buyers involve Alcoris in a pentane enquiry

Independent routing across the supplier network

Alcoris is not tied to a single producer. Pentane availability varies route by route and season by season. We route the enquiry to suppliers most likely to have current availability of the specific grade requested.

Editorial framing, not catalog framing

This page treats the three pentane variants as commercially distinct, because in EPS, PU foam and aerosol they are. A supplier catalog often presents them as interchangeable; the enquiry process benefits from clearer framing upfront.

No commercial bias on grade selection

We do not earn margin on the grade choice. If your formulation allows flexibility between Pentane 80 and Pentane 100, we route the enquiry both ways and let the comparative quote drive the decision. If the recipe is fixed, we route only to the relevant grade.

FAQ

Questions buyers ask before sending a pentane enquiry

What are pentane fluids used for?

Most enquiries relate to blowing agents for expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane foam, polymer processing, aerosol propellant blends, cosmetics and personal care, and specialty industrial applications where a very volatile, low-boiling hydrocarbon is required.

What is the difference between isopentane, Pentane 80 and Pentane 100?

Isopentane (CAS 78-78-4) is a high-purity branched C5 with the lowest boiling point of the three (typically around 28°C). Pentane 100 is a high-purity n-pentane (CAS 109-66-0) with a slightly higher boiling point (typically around 36°C). Pentane 80 is a commercial 80:20 blend of n-pentane and isopentane that sits between the two, frequently specified for EPS production where the blend ratio is part of the formulation recipe.

Are pentane fluids dangerous goods?

Yes. All three pentane variants are classified as Flammable Liquid Category 1 under CLP, packing group I, transported as UN 1265 Pentanes, class 3 for ADR/RID, IMDG and IATA. Pentanes carry the most stringent flammability classification of the C5 hydrocarbon family because of their very low flash points (typically below −40°C).

Are pentane fluids supported for food contact applications?

This depends on the specific source, supply route and current producer documentation. Pentane fluids are sometimes used in food packaging foam (EPS) where residual pentane content has decayed below regulated limits, but food contact suitability is not assumed and must be confirmed against the relevant supplier declaration for each lot.

Can pentane be supplied in bulk, ISO tank, IBC or drums?

Bulk RTC and ISO tank are most common for industrial volumes, particularly Pentane 80 for EPS. IBC is available for some grades and routes. Drum supply is less common because of the PG I dangerous goods packaging requirements and is usually only relevant for specialty grades or small-volume applications.

Are the typical values on this page confirmed?

No. All values shown are indicative only, based on typical pentane grade properties across the European supply market. Final specification, grade availability, packaging, pricing and delivery conditions are confirmed at the time of quotation by the relevant supplier.

Enquiry

Send your pentane requirement, grade and specification discussed on enquiry

Submit your requirement using the form. Specify which grade (isopentane, Pentane 80 or Pentane 100), volume and packaging, supply route, and the application context (EPS, PU foam, polymer processing, aerosol, other). The enquiry is forwarded to suppliers in the network operating in the relevant grade. Any resulting supply contract is concluded directly between you and the supplier; Alcoris is not a party to that contract.

→EU SDS in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 Annex II as amended, available on request from the supplier.

→Sales specification snapshot for the grade and supply route. Confirm regional specification (European supply vs other regions) at enquiry stage.

→PG I dangerous goods documentation: site receiving, storage and handling capabilities for class 3 PG I are a precondition.

→Where formulation flexibility allows, comparative quote across pentane variants on enquiry.

Name

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Grade of interest

Application

Volume, packaging, frequency

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What you can expect back: a substantive first response covering grade availability, indicative price range where it can be given, current sales specification snapshot, EU SDS availability, lead time and any clarification questions before a formal quote.

Response same day during EU working hours.

By submitting you agree the enquiry is forwarded to one or more independent third-party suppliers in the Alcoris network. Alcoris is not a trader, distributor, or supplier and is not a party to any resulting supply contract.

Enquiry received. The relevant suppliers in the network will respond.

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Pentane Fluids: blowing agents, polymer processing, aerosol

An information and enquiry-routing service

The pentane family in practice, three grades, three different formulation roles

Isopentane, the lightest pentane variant

Pentane 80, the n-pentane / isopentane blend

Pentane 100, high-purity n-pentane

Where pentane fluids are typically specified

How to choose between isopentane, Pentane 80 and Pentane 100, the practical decision tree

What serious buyers check before sending a pentane enquiry

Why buyers involve Alcoris in a pentane enquiry

Questions buyers ask before sending a pentane enquiry

Send your pentane requirement, grade and specification discussed on enquiry

Related light hydrocarbon families