Butane

Butane gas cyliner commonly used for cooking

Aerosol spray cans often contain Butane

Butane is an alkane. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons. Usually, Butane is a flammable gas, it burns very well.

Uses of Butane

Butane is sold in canisters, for cooking and camping. It is also used as fuel in cigarette lighters, and as propellant in aerosol sprays or deodorants. Some kinds of Butane are used in refrigerators.

Mixtures with Propane are known as LPG.

Dangers

Butane is dangerous. Inhalation can lead to death by asphyxiation. Contact with the skin can lead to frostbite. If the liquid comes in contact with the air, it will explode.

Other websites

• International Chemical Safety Card 0232
• NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
• n-Butane Molecule of the Month
• Molview from bluerhinos.co.uk See Butane in 3D
• Computational Chemistry Wiki
• World LP Gas Association (WLPGA)
• LP Gas Association: Propane and Butane in the UK
• Global BioSciences In-Situ Bioremediation utilizing Butane
• Butane Viscosity as function of temperature and pressure