murphyIsopentane
AKA: 2-Methylbutane, 78-78-4, Isoamylhydride, Butane, Iso-Pentane, 1, 2-Trimethylethane, Dimethylethylmethane, Ethyldimethylmethane, Methylbutane
Synthetic
Solvent
Not Clean
OriginIsopentane is a branched hydrocarbon alkane derived from crude oil refining or natural gas processing. It is produced through catalytic isomerization of n-pentane or fractional distillation of petroleum.
Isopentane is a hydrocarbon and one of three isomers of pentane. Pentanes are components of some fuels, such as gasoline, and are also used as specialty solvents in the laboratory. (L1287)
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C5H12
Mol. Weight
72.15
CAS #
78-78-4
Form
Powder
State
Watery colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor. Floats on water. Flammable, irritating vapor is produced. Boiling point is 82 °F. (USCG, 1999)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Propellant
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Viscosity Controlling
Dispenses Product
Dissolves Ingredients
Controls Viscosity
Propels product from container
Dissolves other ingredients
Controls product thickness
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 899)
Not a Skin Irritant (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 899)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.041–66.7%
Rinse-off0.036–2.5%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2022 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR