What is "cyclopentane"

n. (context organic compound English) An alicyclic hydrocarbon, C₅H₁₀; a volatile inflammable liquid, sometimes used as a solvent.

Cyclopentane is a highly flammable alicyclic hydrocarbon with chemical formula CH and CAS number 287-92-3, consisting of a ring of five carbon atoms each bonded with two hydrogen atoms above and below the plane. It occurs as a colorless liquid with a petrol-like odor. Its melting point is −94 °C and its boiling point is 49 °C. Cyclopentane is in the class of cycloalkanes, being alkanes that have one or more rings of carbon atoms. It is formed by cracking cyclohexane in the presence of alumina at a high temperature and pressure.

It was first prepared in 1893 by the German chemist Johannes Wislicenus.