Butane Formula: Structural, Properties and Uses

The Butane Formula is C4H10 with hydrocarbon and an alkane found in a gaseous state at room temperature. Discovered by British Chemist Edward Frankland in 1849, butane's properties were later described by Edmund Ronalds, an English Industrial chemist. Butane can be defined as a member of the paraffin hydrocarbon series (or alkane series) with 4 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms, being a saturated hydrocarbon with single bonds between all carbon atoms. Butane belongs to the alkane group and is highly flammable. It exists as a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. It can be easily liquefied and stored to use as fuel.

What is Butane?

Butane has a classification among hydrocarbons, represented by the chemical formula C4H10. It belongs to the paraffinic hydrocarbon family as a colorless, odorless gas. This can come in the form of normal butane (n-butane), connected in a straight line of carbon atoms or isobutane, featuring a branched chain. Both are found in natural gas and crude oil and produced when petroleum is processed into gasoline.

Butane Chemical Formula

As the formula for butane is C4H10, it is possible to separate it from lower-boiling gaseous elements like ethane and methane by absorbing it in light oil. Alternatively, the butanes can be separated from the propane and then from each other by fractional distillation, or they can be stripped from the absorbent together with the propane and sold as liquefied petroleum gas.

Butane Structural Formula

It is essential to understand the Butane Formula: C4H10. This straight-chain alkane has four carbons. To make it easier for humans to identify butane leaks, it's sometimes mixed with minute amounts of mercaptans. Although toxic substances like hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans are present, their levels are too low to cause any significant damage compared to the risks associated with butane such as suffocation and fire.

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Preparation of Butane

Other methods include dehalogenation of haloalkanes and hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes. Other than these, Wurtz reaction and Kolbe's electrolysis produce butane.

Wurtz Reaction - Sodium metal reacts with two alkyl halides in the presence of dry ether in Wurtz’s reaction to produce a higher alkane as well as a molecule containing sodium and halogen in a chemical coupling reaction. Bromoethane reacts with metallic Na in the presence of dry ether to produce butane as follows:

C2H5Br + 2Na + BrC2H5 (dry ether) ⇢ C2H5 – C2H5

Kolbe’s Electrolysis Process - On electrolysis, sodium butanoate will give butane.

2CH3CH2CH2-COONa ⇢ CH3CH2CH2CH3 + 2CO2  +  NaOH + H2

Also Read – Aluminium Nitrate Formula

Properties:

Butane is an odourless, colourless gas with a density of 2.48g/mL, and a chemical formula C4H10. It is highly reactive and soluble in water, as well as other solvents. To get the best score in chemistry, students should review all the topics covered in their syllabus - the Extramarks learning platform provides modules for study available in various media, enabling each student to utilize them at their convenience.

Also Check – Bond Order Formula

Uses:

Butane is an odourless, colourless gas with a density of 2.48g/mL. It is highly reactive and soluble in water and other solvents. To get the best score in chemistry, students should review all the topics covered in their syllabus - the Extramarks learning platform provides modules for study available in various media, enabling each student to utilize them at their convenience.