Ethylpentanes

Ethylpentanes are a group of chemical compounds that are isomers of heptane, meaning they have the same molecular formula (C7H16) but a different structural arrangement of atoms. Specifically, ethylpentanes are branched alkanes where an ethyl group (C2H5-) is attached to a pentane chain. Due to the possibility of varying the position of the ethyl group and the branching within the pentane chain, there are several isomers that fall under the umbrella term "ethylpentanes."

The most common isomers are 3-ethylpentane and potentially other less stable or commonly named arrangements depending on the precise definition used for "ethylpentane." 3-ethylpentane has an ethyl group attached to the third carbon of a pentane chain. Like other alkanes, ethylpentanes are hydrocarbons and are generally colorless, flammable liquids at room temperature. They exhibit properties typical of saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they are relatively unreactive. Their applications are usually as components in fuels or as solvents, though specific uses are less prominent than for simpler or more common heptane isomers. The precise physical properties such as boiling point and density vary slightly between the different ethylpentane isomers.