Butane (C₄H₁₀) is a highly flammable hydrocarbon gas. It is commonly used as a fuel for lighters and camping stoves due to its efficient combustion properties and portability.
| IUPAC Name | Butane |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₁₀ |
| CAS Number | 106-97-8 |
| Synonyms | n-Butane, Butyl hydride, Methylethylmethane, Diethyl |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C4H10/c1-3-4-2/h3-4H2,1-2H3 |
Butane Properties
Butane Formula
The formula of butane is C₄H₁₀, indicating that it consists of four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. The formula provides valuable information about the chemical composition of butane, enabling scientists to study its properties and behavior.
Butane Molar Mass
The molar mass of butyl hydride can be calculated by adding up the atomic masses of its constituent elements. For butyl hydride (C₄H₁₀), the molar mass is approximately 58.12 grams per mole. Molar mass is a crucial parameter in various chemical calculations and plays a significant role in determining the physical and chemical properties of butyl hydride.
Butane Boiling Point
Butyl hydride has a relatively low boiling point of approximately -1°C (30°F). This means that at or above this temperature, butyl hydride readily converts from a liquid to a gas phase. The low boiling point makes butyl hydride an ideal fuel for applications such as lighters and portable camping stoves.
Butane Melting Point
The melting point of butyl hydride is around -138.4°C (-217.12°F). At this temperature or below, solid butyl hydride undergoes a phase change and transitions into a liquid state. However, in normal atmospheric conditions, butyl hydride is commonly encountered in its gaseous form.
Butane Density g/mL
The density of butyl hydride is approximately 2.48 grams per milliliter. This indicates that butyl hydride is lighter than water, which has a density of 1 g/mL. The density of butyl hydride is a crucial property that determines its behavior when stored or transported, as well as its combustion characteristics.
Butane Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of butyl hydride is approximately 58.12 grams per mole. It represents the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a single molecule of butyl hydride. The molecular weight is an essential parameter for various scientific calculations and is used to understand the properties and behavior of butyl hydride.
Butane Structure
The structure of butyl hydride consists of a straight chain of four carbon atoms, with ten hydrogen atoms bonded to them. The carbon atoms are arranged in a continuous line, and each carbon atom forms single bonds with two neighboring carbon atoms and three hydrogen atoms. This linear structure contributes to butyl hydride’s physical and chemical properties.
Butane Solubility
Butyl hydride is considered relatively insoluble in water. It exhibits low solubility due to its nonpolar nature and weak intermolecular interactions with water molecules. However, butyl hydride is highly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone. This solubility behavior is important in various applications, such as extraction processes and solvent-based reactions.
| Appearance | Colorless gas |
| Specific Gravity | 2.48 |
| Color | N/A |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 58.12 g/mol |
| Density | 2.48 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -138.4°C (-217.12°F) |
| Boiling Point | -1°C (30°F) |
| Flash Point | -60°C (-76°F) |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 2.4 atm at 20°C |
| Vapour Density | 2.07 (air = 1) |
| pKa | N/A |
| pH | N/A |
Butane Safety and Hazards
Butyl hydride poses certain safety hazards that need to be taken into consideration. It is a highly flammable gas and can easily ignite in the presence of an ignition source. Precautions should be taken to prevent accidental fires or explosions. It is important to store and handle butyl hydride in well-ventilated areas to avoid the buildup of flammable vapors. Direct inhalation of butyl hydride can be harmful, as it displaces oxygen and may cause asphyxiation. Additionally, exposure to high concentrations of butyl hydride can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. It is crucial to follow proper safety guidelines, such as using butyl hydride in well-designed and approved equipment and avoiding contact with open flames or sparks.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable Gas |
| Safety Description | Keep away from open flames and sparks. Store in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhalation and direct contact. |
| Un IDs | UN 1011 |
| HS Code | 2711.12.20 |
| Hazard Class | Class 2.1 (Flammable Gas) |
| Packing Group | Packing Group II |
| Toxicity | Butyl hydride is generally considered to have low toxicity. However, inhaling high concentrations can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. It may also displace oxygen in enclosed spaces, leading to asphyxiation. Proper ventilation and handling procedures should be followed to ensure safety. |
Butane Synthesis Methods
Various methods synthesize butyl hydride, primarily involving the production of petroleum or natural gas.
Fractional Distillation: During the fractional distillation of crude oil or petroleum, the process yields butyl hydride as a byproduct. The refining process separates the different hydrocarbon fractions based on their boiling points, and butyl hydride is one of the components that can be isolated.
Natural Gas Processing: The processing of natural gas yields butyl hydride as well. Natural gas contains various hydrocarbons, including methane and higher hydrocarbons like butyl hydride. The natural gas mixture undergoes processes like absorption or cryogenic separation to separate butyl hydride.
Cracking of Hydrocarbons: The cracking process breaks down larger hydrocarbon chains into smaller ones, producing butyl hydride. It involves subjecting heavier hydrocarbons to high temperatures or using catalysts to generate butyl hydride as a product.
Isomerization: Isomerization rearranges the molecular structure of hydrocarbons, enabling the synthesis of butyl hydride by isomerizing other hydrocarbons like pentane or hexane into its isomers. Specific catalysts catalyze this process under appropriate conditions.
Synthetic Processes: In a laboratory setting, scientists can synthesize butyl hydride using synthetic routes. They can employ various chemical reactions, such as hydrogenation or reduction, to produce butyl hydride from precursor compounds.
These methods provide ways to produce butyl hydride in large-scale industrial processes as well as in smaller-scale laboratory settings. The choice of method depends on the availability of starting materials, desired purity, and specific requirements of the application.
Butane Uses
Butyl hydride finds application in various industries and everyday use due to its beneficial properties. Here are some common uses of butyl hydride:
- Fuel: Butyl hydride powers portable stoves, camping heaters, and lighters as a fuel, thanks to its high energy content and efficient combustion properties.
- Aerosol Propellant: Butyl hydride propels aerosol products like hairsprays, air fresheners, and spray paints, enabling them to release in a fine mist or spray form.
- Refrigerant: Butyl hydride cools and maintains low temperatures in small-scale refrigeration systems such as household fridges and freezers, serving as a refrigerant.
- Lighter Fluid: Butyl hydride fuels cigarette lighters and torch lighters, generating a flame as a key component of lighter fluids.
- Extraction: Butyl hydride acts as a solvent in extracting essential oils and plant compounds from botanical materials, effectively dissolving desired compounds.
- Laboratory Use: Laboratories use butyl hydride as fuel for Bunsen burners and gas chromatography.
- Calibration Gas: Butyl hydride serves as a calibration gas for gas detectors and sensors, offering well-defined and easily measurable properties.
- Welding and Soldering: Butyl hydride torches facilitate welding and soldering operations with their high temperatures, precision, and user-friendly nature.
- Recreation: Butyl hydride fuels portable camping stoves and handheld torches, enhancing outdoor recreational activities such as camping, hiking, and cooking.
- eat Source: Butyl hydride serves as a heat source in various applications, including heating tools, small heaters, and flame-based applications in specific industries.
The versatile nature of butyl hydride and its range of applications make it a valuable compound in several industries, household items, and recreational activities.
Question:
Q: Where can I buy butane gas near me?
A: You can typically find butyl hydride gas for purchase at local hardware stores, supermarkets, or convenience stores that carry camping supplies.
Q: Is butane natural gas?
A: No, butyl hydride is not considered natural gas. It is a hydrocarbon gas derived from petroleum or natural gas processing.
Q: What is butane?
A: Butyl hydride is a hydrocarbon gas with the chemical formula C₄H₁₀. It is a colorless and odorless flammable gas commonly used as fuel and in various applications.
Q: How is butane made?
A: Butyl hydride is primarily made through processes like fractional distillation of petroleum or natural gas, cracking of heavier hydrocarbons, or isomerization of other hydrocarbons.
Q: How do you refill a butane lighter?
A: To refill a butyl hydride lighter, first, locate the refill valve, typically at the bottom. Insert the butyl hydride nozzle into the valve and press down firmly to release the butyl hydride into the light until it is full.
Q: Which of the following compounds is a structural isomer of butane?
A: Pentane (C₅H₁₂) is a structural isomer of butyl hydride, as both compounds contain four carbon atoms but have different arrangements.
Q: How to refill a butane lighter?
A: To refill a butyl hydride lighter, hold the lighter upside down, align the nozzle of the butyl hydride refill canister with the refill valve on the lighter, and press the canister down firmly to release the butyl hydride into the lighter.
Q: Where to buy butane near me?
A: You can purchase butyl hydride from local hardware stores, supermarkets, or convenience stores that stock camping supplies or household items.
Q: Where to buy butane?
A: Butyl hydride can be purchased from various sources, including online retailers, hardware stores, camping supply stores, and some supermarkets.
Q: Which statement best compares the melting point of butane (C₄H₁₀) with that of octane (C₈H₁₈)?
A: Octane, with a larger and more complex molecular structure, generally has a higher melting point compared to butyl hydride.
Q: What is the molar mass of butane, C₄H₁₀?
A: The molar mass of butyl hydride (C₄H₁₀) is approximately 58.12 grams per mole.
Q: How many isomers are possible for C₄H₁₀?
A: Butyl hydride (C₄H₁₀) has two isomers: n-butane (normal butane) and isobutane (2-methylpropane).
Q: Which of the compounds C₄H₁₀, SrCl₂, Cr(NO₃)₃, OF₂ are expected to exist as molecules?
A: C₄H₁₀ (butyl hydride) and OF₂ (oxygen difluoride) are expected to exist as molecules, while SrCl₂ and Cr(NO₃)₃ are ionic compounds.