Overview

Butane (BYOO-tane) is a colorless gas with the odor of natural gas that is highly flammable and explosive. It exists in two isomeric forms. Isomers are forms of a chemical compound with the same molecular formula (in this case, C₄H₁₀), but different structural arrangements. In one isomer ("normal" or "n-" butane), the four carbon atoms are arranged in a continuous chain, while in the other ("iso-butane"), three carbon atoms are arranged in a continuous chain and the fourth carbon atom is attached to the middle atom in that chain.

Butane occurs naturally in natural gas, where it is present to the extent of about 1 percent, and in petroleum, where it exists only in very small amounts. Butane is used primarily as a fuel and as a chemical intermediary, a compound used to produce other chemical substances.

Key Facts

Other Names:

n-Butane

Formula:

C₄H₁₀

Elements:

Carbon...