Butane

Your Professional Butane Manufacturer in China

Jiangsu July Chemical Co.,Ltd is located in Jiangyin city, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. It owns two industrial-grade gas of Dimethyl Ether& LPG stations, our mainly products include Dimethyl Ether, LPG, Methanol, R152a, R134a, Ethylene glycol and so on.

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01.

Brief Introduction to Butane

Butane or n-butane is an alkane with the formula C4H10. Butane is a highly flammable, colorless, easily liquefied gas that quickly vaporizes at room temperature and pressure. The name butane comes from the root but- and the suffix -ane. Butane is one of a group of liquefied petroleum gases (LP gases). The others include propane, propylene, butadiene, butylene, isobutylene, and mixtures thereof. Butane burns more cleanly than both gasoline and coal.

02.

Butane Structure

The molecular formula of butane is C4H10. Its IUPAC name is butane. In the word butane, prefix ‘But’ stands for 4 carbon atoms present in butane and suffix ‘ane’ comes from the alkane series which represent that butane belongs from alkane homologous series and is saturated in nature. Butane can be easily represented by the general formula of alkanes which is CnH2n+2 where n = any positive integer or number of carbon atoms. For butane n = 4, on putting the value of ‘n’ in the general formula C4H2.4+2 = C4H10. Thus, butane is a saturated hydrocarbon (single bond between carbon atoms) with four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms.

What are the Benefits of Butane?

Butane is superior to its long standing rival propane and other fuel sources such as kerosene and gasoline for portable cooking and heating devices for a wide variety of reasons.

Low Price:Although butane and propane are extracted via the same process, butane is less expensive than its hydrocarbon peer and bottles of butane also often contain higher volumes of the gas.

Fast Burn:Butane lights instantly and reaches its maximum heat output right away so that you don’t have to wait to start cooking or get warm.

Ease of Use:Compared with using other types of fuel such as unleaded gasoline and kerosene, butane is extremely easy to use. While other types of fuel may require priming with a preheat fuel or pouring a certain amount out, butane canisters are easily attached to the stove or heater and will start working right away. Butane canisters are easily resealed and can be saved and used next time.

Low Toxicity:Butane is less toxic and burns cleaner than propane and other fuels as it normally only produces carbon dioxide, not the more deadly carbon monoxide.

Energy Efficiency:Butane produces about 12% more energy than propane when the same volumes are burned above freezing. Campers will save on money, back pain, and space by using butane because they won’t need to buy or pack as many lightweight butane bottles.

Chemical Properties of Butane

Reaction with oxygen-Butane reacts with oxygen and forms carbon dioxide and water vapor. Reaction is given below:
2C4H10 + 13O2 → 8CO2 + 10H2O + Energy

If the amount of oxygen is limited, then it forms carbon monoxide and water vapor. Reaction is given below:
2C4H10 + 13O2 → 8CO2 + 10H2O

Reaction with chlorine-Butane reacts with chlorine and forms butyl chloride and HCl. Reaction is given below:
2C4H10 + Cl2 → C4H9Cl + HCl

Reaction with iodine-Butane reacts with iodine and forms 2-iodobutane and hydrogen iodide. Reaction is given below:
2C4H10 + I2 → C4H9I + HI

Physical Properties of Butane

There are various physical properties of chemical compounds such as boiling point, melting point, density, odour and state. Some of these properties of butane are as follows:

State:Butane is a colourless, odourless gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure but can easily be liquified using moderate pressure or low temperature.

Boiling Point:The boiling point of butane ranges from -1°C to 1°C (30 to 34 °F or 272 to 274 K). At this temperature, it changes from a liquid to a gas.

Melting Point:Butane does not have a distinct melting point because it is a gas at room temperature. However, under extremely low temperatures ranging from −140 to −134 °C (−220 to −209 °F or 133 to 139 K) it changes from crystalline form to liquid.

Density:The density of butane is about 2.48 grams per litre (g/L) at standard temperature and pressure (STP) whereas the density of the liquid butane is significantly higher, around 573 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) i.e., 573 grams per litre at its boiling point.

Solubility:Butane is not very soluble in water. However, it is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and benzene. The solubility of butane in water is 61mg/L at 20°C (68°F).

Odour:Pure butane gas is odourless, but an odorant called ethanethiol (or thiophane) is often added to commercial butane to give it a distinctive smell due to safety concerns.

Flammability:Butane is a highly flammable gas. It can ignite and burn in the presence of an ignition source such as a spark, flame, or heat and oxygen with ease.

Vapour Pressure:Butane has a relatively high vapour pressure. At room temperature, its vapour pressure is around 220 kPa (kilopascals), or about 2.2 times atmospheric pressure.

Molecular Weight:The molar mass of butane is approximately 58.12 grams per mole (g/mol).

Uses of Butane

Lighter Fluid

Butane is used as a fuel for lighters, as a propellant in aerosol cans, and as an ingredient in cigarettes.

Fuel

Butane is widely used as fuel in portable gas stoves, and camping stoves as butane can be easily liquefied under moderate pressure, making it suitable for storage and transportation in portable containers.

Aerosol Propellant

Butane is used in aerosol products such as hairspray, deodorants, air fresheners, and spray paints.

Refrigerant

For small-scale refrigerators such as camping fridges, butane is used as a refrigerant as it has a low boiling point.

Petrochemical Feedstock

It is used to produce ethylene and propylene, which are used to make plastics and other chemicals.

The Different States of Butane

Butane is a gas at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure. However, it can be easily liquified by decreasing the temperature to -1 degree Celsius or increasing the atmospheric pressure with the gas canister. When there is oxygen present, butane can burn to form carbon dioxide and water vapour. However, if there isn’t enough oxygen available, burning butane can produce toxic and dangerous carbon monoxide as its waste product. Now that we understand how butane is stored, we can understand how it is used in the following products better.

Butane Torch

This is an item that takes advantage of Butane’s flammable nature. The butane torch is regularly used in glass making, craft projects, and certain plumbing projects which require heat.

Portable Grills

Campers love to use butane in their portable grills because the fuel is easy to transport when it is compressed into a gas canister. Most portable grills use butane or propane as their main fuel source.

LPG

Butane can be combined with propane as well as other substances in order to form liquefied petroleum gas, also known as LPG. It is used in this form to manufacture petrochemicals, to calibrate gas detectors, and as a refrigerant.

Refrigerators

Methane used to be the primary gas used in refrigerators, but due to the stress that methane places on the ozone layer, this common household item has since switched to using very pure forms of butane instead. Often, gasoline is added to the butane when it is used in refrigerators, this is because adding gasoline enhances the performance of the butane.

Lighters and Aerosols

Butane is often used as the fuel in lighters as it can handle being pressurised. As the vapour pressure requirements for butane are relatively low, putting it in a small plastic pressure vessel such as a lighter is possible and not dangerous. When the pressure is released through the valve, the liquid quickly turns into gas, which is very easily ignited with the oxygen found in the Earth’s air. Some gases can damage plastic on contact, but butane is part of a group of hydrocarbons-a group of gases which don’t attack plastics-which makes it perfect for use in plastic lighters.

Environmentally Friendly Gas

Unlike gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, butane is not a greenhouse gas and does not affect the ozone layer. Butane, therefore, has become a replacement material for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) acting as the propellant in aerosol deodorants, so the risk of solvents negatively impacting the environment is minimised. Extremely pure forms of butane, such as isobutanes, have also replaced the ozone-layer-depleting gases known as halomethanes in refrigerants.

How to Store Butane Safely?

Butane cartridges are generally safe to store, but you do have to take precautions whenever you’re dealing with compressed fuel in a can. This is especially true if you’re storing solvents in large volumes. Cans can degrade, and solvents can get released into the air.
Heed the following storage guidelines:

●Keep all canisters away from sunlight, direct heat, flames, and oxidizers.
●Store canisters in a cool, dry location that never exceeds 122°F (50°C). Extreme heat poses the risk of explosion.
●Always store canisters indoors.
●Do not store canisters near electrical outlets.
●Never store solvent canisters in a vehicle except when transporting them.
●Store canisters in a well-ventilated area, and avoid low-level areas like basements.
●Keep canisters locked away if possible and out of reach of children.
●Ensure that all of your canisters are properly labeled.
Garages, storerooms, and large drawers are among the locations where sealed solvent cans can safely be stored. Just make sure that the location is indoors, cool, dry, and separate from any heat sources.

Ultimate FAQ Guide to Butane

Q: What are the uses of bottled butane?

A: Butane in either its refined form, n-butane, or its purer form, also known as isobutane, is used in industries such as plumbing, construction, culinary arts as well as in jewelry making, glassmaking, welding, and other crafty ventures. While people are most familiar with butane through the use of disposable or refillable pocket cigarette lighters, there are many other uses of both pure butane and butane-propane blends for consumers. Butane bottles are used for a wide range of devices and purposes, including:

●Portable camping stoves

●Outdoor grills

●Patio heaters

●Portable space heaters

●Cabinet heaters

●Caravan and motorhome cooking and heating

●Mobile catering

●Refilling lighters

Q: What are the benefits of butane gas?

A: Easy To Use: Whether you’re firing up the gas BBQ or warming up under your patio heater, butane gas is easy to use-attach the gas and let it run.

Fast and Effective Burn: Like many gases, butane will light instantly, giving you maximum heat output almost instantly.

Efficient Energy Source: Butane produces approximately 12% more energy than propane (when the same volume is burned). If you light your gas BBQ frequently, then butane is an excellent choice.

Cost-Effective: In general, butane is usually a little bit cheaper to buy than propane.

Low Toxicity: Butane burns cleaner than propane and produces carbon dioxide only when lit.

Efficient In Warm Weather: While butane won’t flow when the weather is cold, it is very efficient in warmer weather.

Q: What is Butane Gas?

A: Butane is a form of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) with a boiling point of -2°C. It can be mixed with propane and commercially sold as LPG. Butane is highly flammable, and when stored, it needs to be liquified. This is achieved by putting the gas into pressurised canisters-under natural conditions, butane takes the form of a gas.

Q: What are the similarities between propane and butane?

A: Chemistry: Propane and butane are both liquified petroleum gases with similar chemical structures and properties. They both classify as an alkane. Extraction Process: Both fuels get extracted from petroleum in natural gas or oil form. Combustion Process: During the combustion process, both fuels create carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water, and soot. As a result, both are commonly automobile fuel sources.

Q: What is the difference between propane and butane?

A: Efficiency: Butane is arguably more efficient than propane when used as a fuel. If the same amount of each fuel is burning at a temperature that is above freezing, propane will provide about 12% less energy than butane. Butane is a great fuel to bring to camping trips and save backpack space because you do not need as many refills as you would for propane.

Cost: Butane is generally cheaper than propane. A bottle of butane will also contain a larger volume of fuel than a bottle of propane.

Ease of Use: Propane is generally easier to use than butane. Also, butane does not work as well in lower temperatures. If the temperature is below freezing, butane will stay in its liquid form because there will not be adequate pressure to release it and create a flame.

Safety: Propane gas has no odor which can make a gas leak harder to detect than if you were using butane. However, you can mix ethanethiol with your propane to create an odor and take care of that problem. Additionally, propane tanks come with built in safety features to protect users.

Q: What are common uses of butane?

A: Butane has several common uses, including:

●As a fuel for portable stoves, camping equipment, and lighters.

●As a propellant in aerosol products like hairspray, deodorant, and air fresheners.

●In the manufacturing of rubber, plastics, and synthetic fibers.

●As a refrigerant in some cooling systems.

Q: Can Butane be harmful to Health?

A: Inhaling or ingesting butane can be harmful and potentially life-threatening. It can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and, in severe cases, asphyxiation or cardiac issues. Additionally, butane gas is heavier than air and can accumulate in enclosed spaces, posing a risk of explosion or suffocation.

Q: Is it safe to store butane indoors?

A: Butane must be stored indoors at all times. It should be locked away (if applicable), and out of reach of small children. Due to their smaller size, butane canisters can be stored in large drawers, cupboards, garages, closets and utility storerooms.

Q: Does butane need to be refrigerated?

A: In general, butane canisters should be stored indoors, out of reach of children and pets, and in temperatures no colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit and no warmer than 125 degrees Fahrenheit and low humidity. DO NOT store butane canisters in the direct sunlight for any length of times and keep them away from heat sources including electrical outlets. Don’t store butane canisters in your vehicle for long periods of time, it’s best to pack it only when you’re about to leave on your camping trip for safety’s sake.

Q: Does butane expire?

A: In general, sealed, butane canisters do not go bad; in fact, the consensus is that they will last for up to ten years or sometimes even more. Opened butane canisters that sit unused will still be flammable and work fine in your camping stove, but the quality of the gas may deteriorate over time. Old butane canisters with poor quality fuel can gunk up your stove, which would require cleaning before your next use. If you want to save time and keep your stove or heater working longer, don’t use old butane canisters. The butane canister itself may rust or the seal around the valve may deteriorate over time if left unused. In this case, it may be unsafe to use your butane canisters, so they should be disposed of safely.

Q: Can butane gas be stored inside?

A: For residential properties, you can store up to 30kg of butane (2 x 15kg gas bottles) indoors, for use in portable gas heaters for example. Propane should always be stored outdoors; and in the case of fixed installations, propane should be sited outside.

Q: What are the safety precautions for butane?

A: Eliminate every possible source of ignition. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces. Use appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent skin and eye contact. Use of NIOSH approved Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus may be necessary due to oxygen displacement.

Q: How long does butane last unused?

Q: How do you store butane at home?

A: Butane gas canisters should be stored out of direct sunlight in a cool area, well ventilated space away from consumables. Ensure storage is in a well-ventilated space away from flammable liquids, aerosols sparks, open flames and hot surfaces. After use, remove the gas canister from the stove.

Q: How should gas canisters be stored?

A: Cylinders should be stored preferably in the open air on a concrete or load-bearing surface. Flammable liquids, combustible, corrosive, oxidising materials, toxic materials or compressed gas cylinders should be kept separate from LPG containers in general. Containers should be stored with their valves uppermost.

Q: Is it bad to leave butane in the cold?

A: Every gas has its own properties and works effectively according to that. Calor gas won't freeze by itself and end up rupturing the container. Butane gas will work properly only at temperatures below -2 degrees. If you have stored the cylinder outside in your backyard in the morning, there is a higher chance of it not working. It basically is designed for indoor use. Propane gas, on the other hand, has a freezing point of -180o Celsius which does not happen naturally. It is highly recommended for outdoor usage.

Q: Can you store butane gas bottles outside?

A: It is also worth storing your gas bottles outside as it means they will not cause an obstruction inside if you need to exit the property quickly. Of course, as gas is highly flammable, then it should always be stored well away from any heat or ignition sources. What makes gas the perfect fuel for lighting a BBQ is what will also make it explode if next to any kind of ignition or heat trigger. To keep everyone safe, make sure to follow this tip.

Q: How do you prevent butane explosions?

A: Keep butane canisters away from heat, sparks, open flame, and hot surfaces. Don't smoke near butane or light a cigarette when using it. Store butane in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and food and drink. Let lighters or canisters cool off before refilling them with butane.

Q: Is butane easily flammable?

A: Flammability: Butane is a highly flammable gas. It ignites quickly in the air if exposed to a static charge, a spark, an open flame or any other source of ignition or combustion. Explosiveness: Butane forms an explosive mixture with air when it is found in concentrations between 1.8 and 8.5%.

Q: Can you keep butane in your car?

A: For vehicles with a separate trunk, store the canisters in the trunk and not in the passenger compartment, which will be heated more due to the greenhouse effect of the windows. Find a way to insulate the canisters, such as placing them in an ice chest or wrapping them inside a blanket or sleeping bag.

As one of the leading butane manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to buy high-grade butane made in China here from our factory. All chemical products are with high quality and competitive price.