pentane

[ pen-teyn ]

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a hydrocarbon of the methane series, existing in three liquid isomeric forms.
2. Also called normal pentane. the most important isomer of pentane, a colorless, flammable, water-insoluble, very volatile liquid, C 5 H 1 2 , obtained from petroleum by distillation: used chiefly as a solvent and in medicine as an anesthetic.

pentane

/ ˈpɛnteɪn /

noun

1. an alkane hydrocarbon having three isomers, esp the isomer with a straight chain of carbon atoms ( n -pentane) which is a colourless flammable liquid used as a solvent. Formula: C 5 H 12

pentane

/ pĕn′tān′ /

1. A colorless, flammable hydrocarbon derived from petroleum and used as a solvent. Pentane occurs in three isomers and is the fifth member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C 5 H 12 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of pentane¹

1875–80; pent- ( def ) + -ane

Example Sentences

Since then, some 17,000 more gas wells have been drilled and hydraulically fractured under high pressure to release a torrent of “dry” methane for electrical generation and heating and “wet” gas liquids like ethane, pentane and propane.

From New York Times

Earlier this month officials removed a flammable gas called pentane from the plant to reduce the chance of explosions.

From Washington Times

Earlier this month officials removed a flammable gas called pentane from the plant to reduce the chance of explosions.

From Seattle Times

Emergency workers at the plant transported 60,000 gallons of highly flammable pentane gas out of the facility as a precaution.

From BBC

Plant workers last week removed 50,000 gallons of pentane stored at the site as a precaution.

From Washington Times