Pentene

Pentenes are alkenes with chemical formula C
5H
10. 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.

Straight-chain isomers

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. It is rarely isolated as a separate compound. Instead, it is most often blended into gasoline or, in a mixture with other hydrocarbons, alkylated with isobutane to make gasoline.

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.

Alternative names for 1-pentene include amylene, n-amylene, and n-pentene. Alternative names for 2-pentene include beta-n-amylene and sym-methylethylethylene.