IGCSE Chemistry Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

Pentane is an alkane with the molecular formula C5H12. The name "pentane" itself gives a clear indication of its structure; the prefix "pent-" refers to the presence of five carbon atoms. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they contain single bonds between carbon atoms, and each carbon can bond to hydrogen atoms to fulfill their tetravalent nature.

In pentane, the five carbon atoms are arranged in a chain, which is the simplest structure for this alkane. Each carbon atom in the chain is bonded to enough hydrogen atoms to satisfy carbon's tetravalency, leading to the complete formula C5H12. Therefore, identifying that pentane contains five carbon atoms is fundamental to understanding its chemical structure and properties.