Cyclopentane is a highly flammable alicyclic hydrocarbon with chemical formula C5H10 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. Cyclopentane is in the class of cycloalkanes, being alkanes that have one or more rings of carbon atoms. The typical structure of cyclopentane is the ''envelope'' conformation. It is formed by cracking cyclohexane in the presence of alumina at a high temperature and pressure. It was first prepared in 1893 by the German chemist Johannes Wislicenus.
Appearance & Physical State
transparent colorless liquid
Density
0.751
Melting Point
-94ºC
Boiling Point
50ºC
Flash Point
-37ºC
Refractive Index
1.405-1.407
Stability
Stable. Highly flammable. Note low flash point and wide explosion limits. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Floats on water, so water is of limited value in putting out fires involving this material.
