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CarCareTruth

Isopentane

  • Aliphatic solvents
  • CAS 78-78-4
  • IUPAC: 2-Methylbutane

Isopentane (CAS 78-78-4) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Simple asphyxiant and extremely flammable liquefied gas. No specific organ toxicity beyond the fire/explosion hazard shared with the other C3-C5 propellant hydrocarbons in the same can. Not a skin or eye irritant at propellant concentrations.

Isopentane (2-methylbutane) is a five-carbon branched alkane used as an aerosol propellant, typically alongside butane, propane, and isobutane in the same formulation. Like its C3-C4 relatives it is a liquefied gas under can pressure that flashes to vapor on release.

Not on Prop 65, not an asthmagen, not a sensitizer, not aquatic-toxic. The hazard profile is fire and explosion (extremely flammable), not chronic toxicity or irritation. EPA and CARB classify isopentane as VOC-exempt for aerosol propellant use, consistent with the rest of the propellant blend.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Aerosol propellant — branched five-carbon alkane liquid/gas used alongside butane, propane, and isobutane to pressurize aerosol cans

Common questions about Isopentane

What is Isopentane used for in car care?
Aerosol propellant — branched five-carbon alkane liquid/gas used alongside butane, propane, and isobutane to pressurize aerosol cans
Is Isopentane a VOC?
No. Isopentane is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Isopentane on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Isopentane is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Isopentane biodegradable?
Yes. Isopentane has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.