What is n-Pentane
Analysts Sentiment
Bullish
20.3%
Neutral
35.0%
Bearish
44.7%
What's driving sentiment this week:
Past Week (2026-06-01 to 2026-06-07) — Sentiment: Bearish
OPEC+ nations increased crude production by several million barrels per day on June 7, expanding global feedstock availability and applying downward pressure on n-Pentane prices.
Demand-side fundamentals showed no notable changes or catalysts during this period.
Geopolitical coordination among key producers reaffirmed supply stability, reinforcing bearish sentiment driven by elevated output rather than uncertainty.
This Week (2026-06-08 to 2026-06-14) — Outlook: Neutral
Production policy discussions at the 41st OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting on June 8 are expected to maintain current supply levels, keeping n-Pentane fundamentals stable.
The ministerial meeting itself is the key event supporting steady price and supply outlooks this week.
A sudden reversal toward production cuts or new geopolitical tensions disrupting supply would shift the outlook bullish.
Key Market Impact
The dominant factor currently is OPEC+ output expansion increasing crude and NGL feedstock supply, capping n-Pentane prices.
Market participants are likely locking in lower feedstock-cost inventory while monitoring any signs of future production restraint.
How About the Price?
Price Trajectory 2020–2026 (Brief Recap)
Phase 1 — Sharp Decline (2020): Prices fell steeply from $650/ton in January 2020 to $340/ton by December 2020, driven by no recorded specific influences but likely impacted by broad market disruptions in early 2020. Price bottomed at $340 in December 2020.
Phase 2 — Gradual Downtrend (2021): The price steadily declined from $320/ton in January 2021 to $210/ton in December 2021, with no explicit event factor recorded in the influence log during this period. The price ended the year at $210.
Phase 3 — Continued Decline Despite Supply Issues (2022): Although the influence log records supply chain disruptions and resurgent demand due to feedstock related factors between January and December 2022, prices continued to fall from $200/ton in January 2022 to $120/ton in December 2022, indicating persistent market pressure despite the US controlling most global supply.
Phase 4 — Stable Low Prices (2023): Prices stabilized near low levels, gradually reducing from $115/ton in January 2023 to $78/ton in December 2023 with no notable specific influences recorded in the log.
Phase 5 — Continued Mild Decline (2024 to mid-2026): Prices declined slowly from $76/ton in January 2024 to $42.5/ton by June 2026, with sparse influence data; notable demand factors appeared only in early 2025 with mixed impacts on prices.
Phase 6 — Early 2025 Demand Fluctuations: In February 2025, a 3.2% month-on-month price increase to about $59/ton reflects moderate tightening and steady demand from polymer foam manufacturing in China; in April 2025, the enterprise price dropped sharply to an approximate $892/ton equivalent (CNY 6,500), indicating balanced supply and demand conditions.
Supply-side factors
- US supply chain disruptions and control of 65-70% of global pentane supply during 2022.
- Ongoing feedstock-related influences driving price movements noted predominantly in 2022.
- China spot price reported via local market analysis (Shandong) influencing mid-2026 pricing at $42.5/ton.
Demand-side factors
- Resurgent demand from EPS foam and electronics cleaning sectors in 2022 contributing to supply-demand tensions.
- Steady demand from polymer foam manufacturing in Zhejiang and Guangdong contributing to moderate price tightening in February 2025.
- Balanced supply and demand leading to enterprise price drop in China in April 2025.
Substitutes & Alternatives
| Substitute | Replacement Scenario / How It Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Isopentane (i-Pentane, 2-methylbutane) | Primary drop-in substitute in expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane foam blowing applications. Isopentane has a lower boiling point (27.7°C) and higher vapor pressure, giving slightly different foam cell structure and expansion kinetics. It is often blended with n-pentane (e.g., 70/30 or 50/50 n/i-pentane blends) to tune foam properties. Requires minor process adjustments in foam manufacturing but no fundamental reformulation. |
| Cyclopentane | Widely used as a blowing agent substitute for rigid polyurethane (PU) foam in refrigerator and freezer insulation panels, where its higher boiling point (49.3°C) and lower diffusivity through foam cells provide superior long-term thermal insulation (lower lambda value). Replaces n-pentane in appliance foam applications where insulation performance is critical. Requires reformulation of the polyol blend and process temperature adjustments. |
| Pentane blends (n-pentane / isopentane / cyclopentane mixtures) | Commercial blowing agent blends are tailored to specific foam applications (EPS, XPS, rigid PU) by mixing the three pentane isomers in defined ratios. These blends substitute pure n-pentane where a specific boiling point, vapor pressure, or diffusion profile is required, allowing foam producers to optimize cell structure and insulation values without changing the overall hydrocarbon blowing agent platform. |
| Isobutane (R-600a) | Used as a blowing agent substitute in some low-density polyurethane spray foam and as a refrigerant/propellant where n-pentane's higher boiling point is a disadvantage. Isobutane is a gas at room temperature, so it requires pressurized handling; it is a partial substitute in specific foam formulations and aerosol propellant applications where very low boiling point is acceptable. |
| Hexane (n-Hexane or commercial hexane) | Substitutes n-pentane as a non-polar hydrocarbon solvent in extraction processes (e.g., vegetable oil extraction, pharmaceutical intermediate extraction, adhesive formulation) where a slightly higher boiling point (69°C) is acceptable or preferred. n-Hexane offers lower volatility and longer contact time in extraction, but raises greater occupational health concerns (neurotoxicity). Substitution is straightforward in solvent applications but requires safety and regulatory review. |
| Heptane (n-Heptane) | Replaces n-pentane as a laboratory reference solvent and in some industrial solvent applications where a higher boiling point (98°C) and lower flammability risk are acceptable. Used as a substitute in chromatography, calibration standards, and reaction solvents. Not suitable for blowing agent applications due to its much higher boiling point. |
| Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) — e.g., HFC-245fa, HFO-1234ze | Regulatory-driven substitutes for n-pentane as blowing agents in rigid PU foam (construction panels, appliances) in markets where flammability of hydrocarbon blowing agents is restricted by building codes or fire safety regulations. HFOs such as HFO-1234ze(E) are low-GWP, non-flammable alternatives. Substitution requires significant reformulation of the foam system (polyol blend, processing temperatures, equipment purging) and carries a substantial cost premium over pentane-based systems. |
| Petroleum ether / Light petroleum naphtha (C5–C6 fraction) | Used as a lower-cost, lower-purity substitute for n-pentane in general industrial solvent applications (cleaning, degreasing, extraction) where high purity is not required. Petroleum ether is a mixed C5–C6 hydrocarbon fraction and is a direct functional substitute in many solvent uses, though its variable composition makes it unsuitable for analytical or precision applications. |
Regulatory Status
| Region | Regulation / Policy Name | Issuing Authority | Year (enacted or latest revision) | Key Requirement / Threshold | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | Initial List of Hazardous Air Pollutants with Modifications | US EPA | 1990 (modifications through December 18, 2025) | listed as one of the 188 HAPs regulated under the Clean Air Act for emission control | https://www.epa.gov/haps/initial-list-hazardous-air-pollutants-modifications |
| US | OSHA Hazard Communication Standard | OSHA | 2012 (29 CFR 1910.1200) | classified as Flammable Liquids - Category 2 (H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor); also Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure) - Category 3 (narcotic effects) and Aquatic Hazard (Long-term) - Category 2 | https://www.airgas.com/msds/001133.pdf |
| US | DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations | DOT | ongoing (49 CFR 172) | UN number 1265; Hazard Class 3; Packing Group I; Flammable Liquid label | https://www.airgas.com/msds/001133.pdf |
| US | NFPA 704 Standard | NFPA | 2010 (with 2024 references) | Flammability rating 4; Health rating 1 | https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/1288 |
| US | NIOSH Pocket Guide Occupational Exposure Limits | NIOSH | 2024 | TWA 350 mg/m³ (350 ppm); IDLH 1500 ppm | https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/1288 |
| EU | REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 as amended | ECHA | 2007 (as amended by 2020/878/EU) | Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals; substance not PBT/vPvB; GHS classification Flam. Liq. 2; H225, H304 | https://www.pentachemicals.eu/data/Bezpecnostni_listy/en/n-Pentane_1289_4.0.pdf |
| EU | CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 | ECHA | 2008 (as amended) | GHS hazard statement H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapour; H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways | https://balchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/14386gb_CLP_II_134_ATP4_0000_pentaan_balchem.pdf |
| US-China | HTS 2901.10.30.00 | US Customs and Border Protection | ongoing (MFN rate) | General duty rate free; China-specific rate 35%; Chapter 99 surcharges may apply | https://tariffs.wove.com/us/tariff/2901.10.30.00 |
Key Influence Events
n-Pentane (normal pentane, CAS 109-66-0) is a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C5H12 and a molecular weight of 72.15 g/mol. It is a colorless, highly volatile, flammable liquid with a characteristic gasoline-like odor, boiling at approximately 36.1°C at atmospheric pressure. n-Pentane is one of three structural isomers of pentane (the others being isopentane and neopentane) and is obtained primarily as a fraction of natural gas liquids (NGL) processing and light naphtha distillation from petroleum refining. Its principal industrial uses include as a blowing agent in the manufacture of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane foams, as a solvent and extraction medium, as a fuel component, and as a reference standard in laboratory applications. It is practically insoluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents.
Top Countries Production Capacity
Production Process of n-Pentane
n-Pentane (normal pentane, CAS 109-66-0) is a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C5H12 and a molecular weight of 72.15 g/mol. It is a colorless, highly volatile, flammable liquid with a characteristic gasoline-like odor, boiling at approximately 36.1°C at atmospheric pressure. n-Pentane is one of three structural isomers of pentane (the others being isopentane and neopentane) and is obtained primarily as a fraction of natural gas liquids (NGL) processing and light naphtha distillation from petroleum refining. Its principal industrial uses include as a blowing agent in the manufacture of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane foams, as a solvent and extraction medium, as a fuel component, and as a reference standard in laboratory applications. It is practically insoluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents.
Specs & Grades
| Property | Typical Value / Range | Unit | Grade / Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (n-Pentane content) | ≥ 95.0 | wt% | Technical / Blowing Agent Grade |
| Purity (n-Pentane content) | ≥ 99.0 | wt% | High-Purity / Reagent Grade |
| Purity (n-Pentane content) | ≥ 99.5 | wt% | GC Reference / Analytical Grade |
| Isopentane content | ≤ 3.0 | wt% | Technical Grade |
| Isopentane content | ≤ 0.5 | wt% | High-Purity Grade |
| Cyclopentane content | ≤ 0.5 | wt% | Technical Grade |
| Total C4 hydrocarbons | ≤ 0.5 | wt% | Technical Grade |
| Total C6+ hydrocarbons | ≤ 0.5 | wt% | Technical Grade |
| Sulfur content | ≤ 1 | mg/kg (ppm wt) | Technical / Blowing Agent Grade |
| Water content | ≤ 50 | mg/kg (ppm wt) | Technical Grade |
| Water content | ≤ 10 | mg/kg (ppm wt) | High-Purity Grade |
| Boiling point | 36.0 – 36.3 | °C | All grades |
| Density at 20°C | 0.620 – 0.626 | g/cm³ | All grades |
| Vapor pressure at 20°C | ~420 – 430 | mbar | All grades |
| Flash point (closed cup) | -49 | °C | All grades |
| Color (APHA/Hazen) | ≤ 5 | APHA | High-Purity / Reagent Grade |
| Bromine index | ≤ 50 | mg Br/100 g | Technical Grade |
Who are the Top Players?
| Company | Headquarters | Key Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Shell | The Hague, Netherlands | Moerdijk, Netherlands, Singapore |
| ExxonMobil | Spring, Texas, USA | Baytown, Texas, USA |
| Phillips 66 | Houston, Texas, USA | |
| INEOS | London, United Kingdom | |
| Trecora Resources | Middletown, Texas, USA | Silsbee, TX |
| Haltermann Carless | The Hague, Netherlands | Speyer, Germany |
| SABIC | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Jubail, Saudi Arabia, Yanbu, Saudi Arabia |
| PetroChina | Beijing, China | |
| Sinopec | Beijing, China | |
| TotalEnergies | Courbevoie, France | |
| Chevron Phillips Chemical Company | Houston, Texas, USA | |
| LG Chem | Seoul, South Korea | |
| Mitsui Chemicals | Tokyo, Japan | |
| SK Global Chemical | Seoul, South Korea | |
| Maruzen Petrochemical | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Junyuan Petroleum Group | Dongying, Shandong, China | Shandong, China |
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