What Is Butane Gas?
Butane, a colorless gas with a characteristic hydrocarbon odor, has the chemical formula C4H10 and a molecular weight of 58.12. It exists in two isomers: linear n-butane and branched isobutane, making it one of the smallest alkanes. Discovered by Edward Frankland in 1849, butane serves primarily as a fuel.
Properties of Butane Gas
With a melting point of -138°C and a boiling point of -0.5°C, butane is insoluble in water but dissolves in ethanol, ether, and chloroform. It is highly flammable, presenting significant explosion risks when mixed with air or exposed to heat.
Uses of Butane Gas
Butane’s applications range from industrial fuel, where n-butane enhances gasoline’s octane number, to household uses in lighter fuel and portable stoves. Isobutane, utilized in the production of isoparaffins and as a refrigerant in CFC-free refrigerators, also serves as a component in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Other Information on Butane Gas
1. Butane Manufacturing Process
Produced both in the laboratory and industrially, butane is extracted from petroleum through fractional distillation or as a byproduct in the refining process. It is present in crude oil and obtained during the cracking or reforming of heavy oils.
2. Butane Reaction
Butane combusts to form carbon dioxide and water in the presence of ample oxygen. Under limited oxygen, incomplete combustion yields soot and carbon monoxide. Butane also undergoes reactions to form chlorobutanes via radical mechanisms.
3. Legal Information
While not listed under as a deleterious substances, butane is regulated as a hazardous and flammable gas, necessitating proper labeling and handling precautions.
4. Handling and Storage Precautions
Butane should be stored in high-pressure containers, away from heat sources, with valves securely closed when not in use. It requires handling in well-ventilated or explosion-proof areas, with protective gear to prevent inhalation or skin contact.