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Glite Dictionary
isopentane

isopentane

8.6
A colorless, flammable liquid used to cool things and as a solvent
  • noun
  • /ˌaɪsoʊˈpɛnˌteɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : isopentano
  • The laboratory technician chose isopentane as a solvent for the experiment due to its low boiling point.

Examples

  • In many refrigeration systems, isopentane is used to help maintain cool temperatures efficiently.

  • After dissection, all muscles were frozen in melting isopentane cooled in liquid nitrogen and then stored at -70°C.

    Academic text (2005)

  • Researchers often rely on isopentane for its effectiveness in preserving biological samples.

Surface Forms

isopentane singular
isopentanes plural

Morphology

isopentane = pentane (semi-transparent) = iso + pentane + iso

The form is transparently iso- + pentane in chemical nomenclature, but 'iso-' is a technical combining form whose meaning (a specific isomeric structure) is only clear to those familiar with chemistry.

Etymology

Isopentane combines the chemical prefix iso-, meaning 'equal' or 'same', with penta-, meaning 'five', like in pentagon for a five-sided shape. The name helps you remember it is a liquid made of five carbon atoms in a slightly branched arrangement, which is why chemists use the name for this particular form of pentane used as a solvent and refrigerant.