What is the difference between butane and propane

Here are the differences between butane and propane, and a few tips on whether one or the other is best for you. Butane, or C4H10, is an alkane natural gas derivative which can be found as two different structural isomers, n-butane or isobutane, or a blend of the two. N-butane , such as Puretane butane, is highly refined and is the type of butane that we normally think about when we hear the term. A natural gas liquid, n-butane is a highly flammable hydrocarbon that is used in such diverse products as torches, cigarette lighters, Tiki torches, and portable camping stoves.

Isobutane is a methylpropane that is less refined than n-butane. It is used as a refrigerant in domestic refrigerators and freezers and as a propellant in aerosol sprays such as cooking sprays and hairspray. Like all natural gas, butane is a colorless and odorless hydrocarbon in its natural form. It burns when exposed to oxygen and releases carbon dioxide chemical formula CO2 and water vapor chemical formula H2O.

N-butane boils at 31 degrees Fahrenheit, though the flames of butane torches can reach up to 2, degrees Fahrenheit. Butane is a component of natural gas that is extracted during the refinement process of petroleum products. It can be derived from the fractional distillation of crude oil, which also produces such components as petrol, diesel oil, and kerosene, although butane is extracted only in much smaller quantities from crude oil.

A similar alkane, propane or C3H8, is also used as a portable energy source. When stored as a liquid in a tank, it exerts a greater pressure than Butane at the same temperature. So Propane, as an LPG, is most suitable for exterior storage and use. Its ability to operate in low temperatures makes it the most suitable LPG for many applications. Propane is widely used as a fuel source for domestic and commercial heating, hot water and cooking. It also has a wide range of uses in industry and agriculture.

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