Knowra Butane Butane Butane is a flammable alkane with formula C₄H₁₀. Its two structural isomers, n-butane and isobutane, are used as fuels and have different physical properties.
Combustion : A chemical reaction in which a fuel reacts with an oxidizer, usually releasing heat and light. Butane releases heat by reacting with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water.
n-Butane : The straight-chain structural isomer of butane, with four carbon atoms in an unbranched chain. It is one of the two structures included under butane.
Butane lighter : A portable ignition device that stores butane and releases it for combustion. The lighter uses pressurized butane as a compact, refillable fuel.
Propane : A three-carbon alkane with formula C₃H₈, widely used as a fuel. Propane remains vapor at lower temperatures than butane, making it more suitable for cold-weather use.
Liquefied petroleum gas : A fuel mixture of light hydrocarbons, chiefly propane and butane, stored as a liquid under pressure. Butane is a major component of this pressurized fuel category.
Isobutane : The branched structural isomer of butane, also called 2-methylpropane. It is the branched counterpart to n-butane.
Portable gas stove : A compact cooking appliance powered by a pressurized fuel canister. Butane canister stoves use its liquid-to-vapor transition to supply the burner.
Methane : The simplest alkane, with formula CH₄, and the principal component of natural gas. Methane is gaseous at ambient conditions, unlike pressurized liquid butane.
Vapor pressure : The pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid at a given temperature. Butane’s vapor pressure lets liquid fuel feed burners as gas.
Structural formula : A representation showing how atoms are connected within a molecule. Comparing structural formulas reveals butane’s straight and branched isomers.
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