Isopentane is a type of hydrocarbon that belongs to the alkane family, which means it is made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Its chemical formula is C5H12, indicating it has five carbon atoms and twelve hydrogen atoms. Isopentane is a colorless, flammable liquid that is often used in laboratories and industrial applications, such as in the production of polystyrene and as a refrigerant. This compound is also known for its role in the petroleum industry, where it can be found in natural gas and crude oil. Isopentane is important in the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of thermodynamics and gas laws, due to its unique properties and behavior under different conditions.