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CarCareTruth

Methylcyclopentane

  • Aliphatic solvents
  • CAS 96-37-7
  • IUPAC: Methylcyclopentane

Methylcyclopentane (CAS 96-37-7) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

Mild CNS depressant and irritant at high vapor concentrations — inhalation can cause dizziness and nausea; concentrated vapor may cause unconsciousness. Highly flammable. Mild eye and skin irritant on direct liquid contact.

Methylcyclopentane is a cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon (C6) used as a fast-evaporating solvent component in petroleum distillate and aerosol formulas. It shares the same general hazard profile as its structural cousins hexane and cyclohexane — narcotic effects at high inhalation concentrations, high flammability, and mild irritant potential — but carries an ingredient-level aquatic toxicity classification (H410) on supplier safety data sheets that the more common solvents in this family do not always carry.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Fast-evaporating solvent component in petroleum distillate aerosol formulas

Common questions about Methylcyclopentane

What is Methylcyclopentane used for in car care?
Fast-evaporating solvent component in petroleum distillate aerosol formulas
Is Methylcyclopentane a VOC?
Yes. Methylcyclopentane is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Methylcyclopentane on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Methylcyclopentane is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Methylcyclopentane biodegradable?
Yes. Methylcyclopentane 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.