Butane Gas Detectors

Butane: Properties, Uses, and Safety Guide | Comprehensive Overview

Butane gas is a hydrocarbon with the molecular formula 𝐶4𝐻10C4​H10​. It is an alkane and exists as a gas at room temperature. Butane is a colorless gas with a gasoline-like odor and is highly flammable. It can be easily liquefied under moderate pressure, making it suitable for storage and transportation in portable containers.

Properties of Butane

  • Molecular Formula: 𝐶4𝐻10C4​H10​
  • Boiling Point: -1 to 1°C
  • Density: 2.48 kg/m³ at 15°C
  • Molar Mass: 58.124 g/mol
  • Solubility in Water: 61 mg/L at 20°C
  • Flammability: Highly flammable

Uses of Butane

  • Fuel:
    • Used in portable gas stoves and camping stoves.
    • Commonly used as lighter fluid.
    • Blended with propane to form liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
  • Aerosol Propellant:
    • Used in products like hairspray, deodorants, and air fresheners.
  • Refrigerant:
  • Used in small-scale refrigerators and air conditioning systems.
  • Petrochemical Feedstock:
  • Used in the production of ethylene and butadiene, key ingredients in synthetic rubber.
  • Gasoline Blending:
  • Enhances the octane number of motor gasoline.

Safety and Handling

Butane is generally safe to use when handled properly. However, it is highly flammable and can pose risks if not stored or used correctly. Inhaling or ingesting butane can be harmful and potentially life-threatening, causing dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and in severe cases, asphyxiation or cardiac issues. It should be stored in well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight, open flames, and high temperatures.

Chemical Reactions

  • Combustion:
    • With sufficient oxygen: 2𝐶4𝐻10+13𝑂2→8𝐶𝑂2+10𝐻2𝑂2C4​H10​+13O2​→8CO2​+10H2​O
    • With limited oxygen: 2𝐶4𝐻10+9𝑂2→8𝐶𝑂+10𝐻2𝑂2C4​H10​+9O2​→8CO+10H2​O
  • Chlorination:
    • 2𝐶4𝐻10+𝐶𝑙2→𝐶4𝐻9𝐶𝑙+𝐻𝐶𝑙2C4​H10​+Cl2​→C4​H9​Cl+HCl
  • Iodination:
    • 2𝐶4𝐻10+𝐼2→𝐶4𝐻9𝐼+𝐻𝐼2C4​H10​+I2​→C4​H9​I+HI

Butane is a versatile and widely used hydrocarbon with applications ranging from fuel to refrigerants. Proper handling and storage are essential to ensure safety and prevent accidents.

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Butane Gas Detectors

Butane: Properties, Uses, and Safety Guide | Comprehensive Overview

Butane gas is a hydrocarbon with the molecular formula 𝐶4𝐻10C4​H10​. It is an alkane and exists as a gas at room temperature. Butane is a colorless gas with a gasoline-like odor and is highly flammable. It can be easily liquefied under moderate pressure, making it suitable for storage and transportation in portable containers.

Properties of Butane

  • Molecular Formula: 𝐶4𝐻10C4​H10​
  • Boiling Point: -1 to 1°C
  • Density: 2.48 kg/m³ at 15°C
  • Molar Mass: 58.124 g/mol
  • Solubility in Water: 61 mg/L at 20°C
  • Flammability: Highly flammable

Uses of Butane

  • Fuel:
    • Used in portable gas stoves and camping stoves.
    • Commonly used as lighter fluid.
    • Blended with propane to form liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
  • Aerosol Propellant:
    • Used in products like hairspray, deodorants, and air fresheners.
  • Refrigerant:
  • Used in small-scale refrigerators and air conditioning systems.
  • Petrochemical Feedstock:
  • Used in the production of ethylene and butadiene, key ingredients in synthetic rubber.
  • Gasoline Blending:
  • Enhances the octane number of motor gasoline.

Safety and Handling

Butane is generally safe to use when handled properly. However, it is highly flammable and can pose risks if not stored or used correctly. Inhaling or ingesting butane can be harmful and potentially life-threatening, causing dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and in severe cases, asphyxiation or cardiac issues. It should be stored in well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight, open flames, and high temperatures.

Chemical Reactions

  • Combustion:
    • With sufficient oxygen: 2𝐶4𝐻10+13𝑂2→8𝐶𝑂2+10𝐻2𝑂2C4​H10​+13O2​→8CO2​+10H2​O
    • With limited oxygen: 2𝐶4𝐻10+9𝑂2→8𝐶𝑂+10𝐻2𝑂2C4​H10​+9O2​→8CO+10H2​O
  • Chlorination:
    • 2𝐶4𝐻10+𝐶𝑙2→𝐶4𝐻9𝐶𝑙+𝐻𝐶𝑙2C4​H10​+Cl2​→C4​H9​Cl+HCl
  • Iodination:
    • 2𝐶4𝐻10+𝐼2→𝐶4𝐻9𝐼+𝐻𝐼2C4​H10​+I2​→C4​H9​I+HI

Butane is a versatile and widely used hydrocarbon with applications ranging from fuel to refrigerants. Proper handling and storage are essential to ensure safety and prevent accidents.