FOAMED THERMOPLASTICS. Polystyrene pellets can be impregnated with isopentane at room temperature and modest pressure. When the pellets are heated, they can be made to fuse together at the same time that the isopentane evaporates, foaming the polystyrene and cooling the assembly at the same time.

What is the formula of isopentane?

Isopentane, also called methylbutane or 2-methylbutane, is a branched-chain saturated hydrocarbon (an alkane) with five carbon atoms, with formula C5H12 or CH(CH3)2(C2H5). Isopentane is an extremely volatile and extremely flammable liquid at room temperature and pressure.

What does isopentane smell like?

Isopentane is a colorless liquid with an alcohol or gasoline-like odor.