Cyclopentane is a highly flammable alicyclic hydrocarbon with chemical formula ₅₁₀ and CAS number 287-92-3, consisting of a ring of five carbon atoms each bonded with two hydrogen atoms above and below the plane. It occurs as a colorless liquid with a petrol-like odor. Its melting point is ?94 °C and its boiling point is 49 °C.

The typical structure of cyclopentane is the "envelope" conformation.

Industrial usage

Cyclopentane is used in the manufacture of synthetic resins and rubber adhesives and also as a blowing agent in the manufacture of polyurethane insulating foam, as found in may domestic appliances such as refrigerators and freezers, replacing environmentally damaging alternatives such as CFC-11 and HCFC-141b^[1]

More advanced technologies, such as computer hard drives and outerspace equipment employ multiply-alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) lubricants because of their extremely low volatility.^[2]

The United States produces more than half a million kilograms of this chemical per year.

Formulation of cycloalkanes

Cycloalkanes can be formulated via a process known as catalytic reforming.

For example, 2-methylbutane can be reformed into cyclopentane, by use of a platinum catalyst. This is particularly well known in automobiles, as branched alkanes will burn much more readily.

References

de:Cyclopentan es:Ciclopentano fr:cyclopentane it:Ciclopentano he:?????????? nl:Cyclopentaan ja:??????? pl:Cyklopentan pt:Ciclopentano fi:Syklopentaani sv:Cyklopentan vi:Cyclopentan

---

Source: Wikipedia | The above article is available under the GNU FDL. | Edit this article