Product Overview
Liquid Cyclopentane is a cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C₅H₁₀, forming a five-carbon ring. This colorless, volatile liquid is a key physical blowing agent and solvent, recognized for its exceptional environmental profile. As a zero-ozone-depleting substance with low global warming potential (GWP), liquid cyclopentane has become the industry-standard blowing agent for manufacturing rigid polyurethane (PU) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation foams. Its combination of effective blowing performance, favorable insulation properties, and compliance with stringent environmental regulations makes liquid cyclopentane a critical material in the construction and appliance industries for achieving high energy efficiency.
Basic Information
| CAS No. | 287-92-3 |
| UN No. | UN1146 (Cyclopentane) |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₁₀ |
| Hazard Classification | 3 (Flammable liquid), 2.1 (Flammable gas when aerosolized) |
Key Attributes & Parameters
| Purity | Technical grade for foaming typically >95%, with the balance primarily methylcyclopentane and n-pentane. High-purity grades (>99%) are available for specialized applications. |
| Physical State | Clear, colorless, highly volatile liquid with a mild, petroleum-like odor. |
| Boiling Point | 49.3 °C (120.7 °F) |
| Flash Point | -37 °C (-35 °F) (closed cup) – highly flammable. |
| Vapor Pressure | ~33 kPa at 20°C. |
| Density | ~0.75 g/mL at 20°C. |
| Key Environmental Properties | Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) = 0; Global Warming Potential (GWP) ≈ 11 (over 100 years). |
Features & Advantages
Environmentally Preferred Blowing Agent
With zero ODP and a very low GWP, liquid cyclopentane is the leading solution for complying with global regulations phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in foam insulation.
Excellent Insulating Performance
The gas evolved from liquid cyclopentane has a low thermal conductivity (lambda value), which contributes to the superior long-term insulating properties (low k-factor) of the resulting foam.
Cost-Effective & Efficient
It provides good frothing and flow characteristics within the polyurethane mix, enabling the production of foams with uniform, fine cell structures and high insulation value at a competitive cost.
Good Solvency
Effectively dissolves many resins and oils, making it useful as a solvent in specialized formulations.
Functional Characteristics
In foam production, liquid cyclopentane functions as a physical blowing agent. It is pre-mixed into the polyol component of a PU/PIR system. During the exothermic polymerization reaction, the heat vaporizes the cyclopentane, creating gas bubbles that expand the reacting liquid mixture into a rigid foam. The cyclopentane vapor remains trapped within the closed cells of the cured foam, providing its insulating power. Its volatility and boiling point are well-suited for the reaction temperatures of typical foam processes. Due to its high flammability, specialized equipment (explosion-proof) and strict safety protocols are mandatory for its handling and processing.
Primary Application Fields
Rigid Polyurethane/Polyisocyanurate Foam (Primary Use)
The dominant application is as a blowing agent for insulation panels used in:
Construction: Wall, roof, and floor insulation for buildings.
Appliances: Insulation for refrigerators, freezers, and water heaters.
Transport: Insulation for refrigerated trucks and containers.
Chemical Intermediate & Solvent
Used as a feedstock in the production of resins, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Serves as a solvent in certain chemical reactions and formulations.
Laboratory & Research
Employed as a non-polar solvent and as a reagent in organic synthesis (e.g., in cycloaddition reactions).
Customer Collaboration Case
A major European appliance manufacturer faced a regulatory deadline to eliminate HFC blowing agents from their refrigerator production lines to meet EU F-gas regulations. They needed to convert their entire insulation foam process to a cyclopentane-based system without compromising energy efficiency (A+++ rating) or production speed. We partnered with them beyond mere supply, providing a complete technical solution. This included our high-purity, consistently formulated liquid cyclopentane, assistance in retrofitting their foaming cabinets with explosion-proof equipment and solvent recovery systems, and on-site training for their operators. Our team helped optimize the cyclopentane/polyol premix ratio and processing parameters. The transition was a success: the new cyclopentane-blown foam achieved a 5% better initial k-factor (thermal conductivity) and maintained superior long-term insulation performance. The customer not only met the regulatory deadline but also enhanced the energy efficiency of their flagship product line, securing a competitive market advantage. This collaboration underscored the role of liquid cyclopentane as an enabler of sustainable manufacturing in regulated industries.
Hot Tags: liquid cyclopentane, China liquid cyclopentane manufacturers, suppliers, factory, Ethylene Oxide Gas, Liquid Cyclopentane, Liquid Hexene, Liquid Isoprene 99 50 , Liquid Octene, Methane Calibration Gas
