N-Butane

Definition

n-Butane is a straight-chain, saturated hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C4H10. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is the second-simplest alkane after methane, and is commonly used as a fuel and refrigerant.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. n-Butane is a structural isomer of isobutane, another butane molecule with a branched structure.
2. The boiling point of n-butane is -0.5°C at standard atmospheric pressure, making it a gas at room temperature.
3. n-Butane is a component of natural gas and is also produced as a by-product during oil refining and natural gas processing.
4. As a fuel, n-butane is commonly used in lighters, camping stoves, and as a propellant in aerosol cans.
5. n-Butane is considered a relatively non-toxic and environmentally friendly hydrocarbon compared to other alkanes.

Review Questions

• Explain the structural differences between n-butane and isobutane, and how this affects their physical properties.
  • n-Butane and isobutane are structural isomers, meaning they have the same molecular formula (C4H10) but different arrangements of the carbon atoms. n-Butane has a linear, straight-chain structure, while isobutane has a branched structure. This difference in molecular structure leads to variations in their physical properties, such as boiling point. The linear structure of n-butane results in a lower boiling point (-0.5°C) compared to the branched isobutane (10.9°C), making n-butane a gas at room temperature while isobutane is a liquid.
• Describe the role of n-butane in the context of hydrocarbon fuels and its environmental impact.
  • n-Butane is a component of natural gas and is also produced as a by-product during oil refining and natural gas processing. As a fuel, n-butane is commonly used in lighters, camping stoves, and as a propellant in aerosol cans. Compared to other alkanes, n-butane is considered a relatively non-toxic and environmentally friendly hydrocarbon. However, the combustion of n-butane, like other hydrocarbons, still produces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The widespread use of n-butane and other hydrocarbon fuels highlights the ongoing need for the development of renewable and sustainable energy sources to mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption.
• Analyze the potential applications of n-butane beyond its use as a fuel, and how its chemical properties enable these uses.
  • In addition to its use as a fuel, n-butane's physical and chemical properties enable it to have other important applications. The low boiling point of n-butane (-0.5°C) makes it suitable for use as a refrigerant, particularly in small-scale refrigeration systems. Its relatively non-toxic nature also allows it to be used as a propellant in aerosol products, such as hairspray and deodorants. Furthermore, the high energy density of n-butane and other alkanes makes them valuable feedstocks for the petrochemical industry, where they can be converted into a wide range of valuable chemicals and materials through various chemical processes. The versatility of n-butane highlights how an understanding of its fundamental properties can lead to diverse and innovative applications.

Related terms

Alkane: A saturated hydrocarbon compound with the general formula CnH2n+2, where the carbon atoms are connected by single bonds.

Isomer: Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms.

Boiling Point:

The temperature at which a substance transitions from a liquid to a gas phase at a given pressure.