Pentane

Flammability

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

flammable gases

Type of information:

other: Not reported

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

Up to 2008

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Source is a published handbook, no data on GLP/guideline compliance/method. Acceptable with restriction as handbook is peer reviewed and considered a reliable source.

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The use of secondary sources of data is acceptable when they are based on a critical evaluation of peer-reviewed data and a consequent selection of a reliable and representative value for the property under investigation. The introduction to the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics states that data for physical constants have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature. Where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. Therefore, although the method used is not known, the values presented here are acceptable as they are from a reliable secondary source of phys chem. data.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Remarks:

Not reported

Key result

Parameter:

lower explosion limit

Value:

1.4 % (not further specified)

Key result

Parameter:

upper explosion limit

Value:

8 % (not further specified)

Interpretation of results:

other: Highly Flammable

Conclusions:

The lower and upper explosion limits of n-pentane were reported as 1.4 - 8 % respectively.

Executive summary:

There is no available information on the methods used to determine the value for this endpoint. However, this information is taken from the CRC Handbook which is considered to be a reliable peer reviewed handbook and suitable for use as the key study for this endpoint. The lower and upper explosion limits of n-pentane are therefore 1.4 - 8 % respectively.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

flammable solids

Data waiving:

study technically not feasible

Justification for data waiving:

the study does not need to be conducted because the substance is a liquid

Description of key information

The flammability is between 1.3 and 7.8% v/v for n-pentane, based on calculated values. 

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Flammability:

extremely flammable

Additional information

The flammbility is between 1.3 and 7.8 % v/v for n-pentane based on calculated values. This range has been agreed by the consortium to represent the substance. This is supported by a range of 1.4 to 8.0 % v/v from the CRC Handbook (Lide 2008). There is no information available on the methods used to determine the value for this endpoint. However, the CRC Handbook is considered to be a reliable, peer-reviewed handbook and suitable for use as a study for this endpoint.

Justification for classification or non-classification

The boiling point for n-pentane is 28 to 70°C and the flashpoint is -20°C. These values have been agreed by the consortium to represent the substance and are supported by secondary sources. According to the CLP legislation (2008) a liquid with a flash point of <23°C and a boiling point of >35°C is classified as a Category 1 flammable liquid with the hazard statement "extremely flammable liquid and vapour".