Pentene

273-308-8 (cis-2-pentene)271-255-5 (trans-2-pentene) Pentenes are alkenes with chemical formula C5H10. Each contains one double bond within its molecular structure. There are a total of six different compounds in this class, differing from each other by whether the carbon atoms are attached linearly or in a branched structure, and whether the double bond has a cis or trans form. Pentenes are alkenes with chemical formula C5H10. Each contains one double bond within its molecular structure. There are a total of six different compounds in this class, differing from each other by whether the carbon atoms are attached linearly or in a branched structure, and whether the double bond has a cis or trans form. 1-Pentene is an alpha-olefin. Most often 1-pentene is made as a byproduct of catalytic or thermal cracking of petroleum, or during production of ethylene and propylene via thermal cracking of hydrocarbon fractions. The only commercial manufacturer of 1-pentene is Sasol Ltd, where it is separated from crude made by the Fischer-Tropsch process. 2-Pentene has two geometric isomers, cis-2-pentene and trans-2-pentene. Cis-2-Pentene is used in olefin metathesis. The branched isomers are 2-methylbut-1-ene, 3-methylbut-1-ene (isopentene), and 2-methylbut-2-ene (isoamylene). Isoamylene is one of three main byproducts of deep catalytic cracking (DCC), which is very similar to the operation of the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC). The DCC uses vacuum gas oil (VGO) as a feedstock to produce primarily propylene, isobutylene, and isoamylene. The rise in demand for polypropylene has encouraged the growth of the DCCU, which is operated very much like an FCCU. Isobutylene and isoamylene are feedstocks necessary for the production of the much debated gasoline blending components methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME). Propylene, isobutene, and amylenes are feedstock in alkylation units of refineries. Using isobutane, blendstocks' are generated with high branching for good combustion characteristics. Amylenes are valued as precursors to fuels, especially aviation fuels of relatively low volatility, as required by various regulations.