MOLECULE

3-Methylpentane

3-Methylpentane belongs to the class of organic compounds known as branched alkanes. These are acyclic branched hydrocarbons having the general formula CnH2n+2. 3-Methylpentane is a branched chain alkane with the molecular formula C6H14. It is a structural isomer of hexane composed of a methyl group bonded to the third carbon atom in a pentane chain. It is of similar structure to the isomeric 2-methylpentane, which has the methyl group located on the second carbon of the pentane chain. 3-Methylpentane is possibly neutral. 3-Methylpentane is a potentially toxic compound. It causes degeneration of the peripheral nervous system (and eventually the central nervous system), starting with damage to the nerve axons. It is distributed throughout the body in the blood, and metabolized by mixed function oxidases in the liver to a number of metabolites. Certain kinds of special glues used in the roofing and shoe and leather industries also contain hexane.