Propane

HCID 6334CAS 74-98-6

Basic information

Standard SMILES
CCC
InChIKey
ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molecular formula
C3H8
Average molar mass
44.1 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
44.06260026

Names & identifiers

Preferred name
Propane
IUPAC
propane
English name
Propane
Molecular formula
C3H8
Molecular weight
44.1

Names & synonyms

PROPANEn-PropaneDimethylmethane74-98-6Propyl hydridePropyldihydridePurifrigor p 3.5HC 290R 290INS NO.944DTXSID5026386E944
Show more names
LpgC3H8Propanr290PROPANE, NATURALAD2PopaneLiquefied petroleum gasHC-290
INS-944T75W9911L6E-944CHEBI:32879Bottled gasdimethyl methaneRefChem:6488DTXCID006386

Database identifiers

CAS
74-98-6
PubChem CID
6334
DTXSID
DTXSID5026386
ChEMBL
CHEMBL135416、CHEMBL4526341
ChEBI
CHEBI:32879
UNII
T75W9911L6
EC Number
200-827-9
Nikkaji
J1.530.844C、J2.385J

Properties

Computed structural properties

XLogP
1.8
Topological polar surface area
0 Ų
Hydrogen bond donors
0
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
3

Experimental & physicochemical properties

LogP · 3 items

log Kow = 2.36

2.36

2.36

OdorOdorless [Note: A foul smelling odorant is often added when used for fuel purposes].
Density · 6 items

0.59 at -58 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.493 at 25 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 0.5

0.59 at -58 °F

0.493 @25 °C

1.55(relative gas density)

Viscosity8.3 uPa.s at 300K; 10.9 uPa.s at 400K; 13.4 uPa.s at 500K; 15.8 uPa.s at 600K
Color/FormColorless gas [Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas].
Solubility · 6 items

0.01 % (NIOSH, 2024)

Slightly soluble in acetone; soluble in ethanol; very soluble in ethyl ether, benzene, chloroform

100 vol water dissolve 6.5 vol at 17.8 °C, 753 mm Hg; 100 vol absolute alcohol dissolve 790 vol at 16.6 °C, 754 mm Hg; 100 vol ether dissolve 926 vol at 16.6 °C, 757 mm Hg; 100 vol chloroform dissolve 1299 vol at 21.6 °C, 757 mm Hg; 100 vol benzene dissolve 1452 vol at 21.5 °C, 757 mm Hg; 100 vol turpentine dissolve 1587 vol at 17.7 °C, 757 mm Hg

In water, 62.4 ppm at 25 °C

0.0624 mg/mL at 25 °C

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 0.007

Physicochemical properties

Melting point
-188 °C · -188 °C(lit.)
Boiling point
-42.1 °C · -42.1 °C(lit.)
Density
0.564 g/mL · 0.564 g/mL at 20 °C(lit.)
vapor density
1.5 · 1.5 (vs air)
vapor pressure
190 psi · 190 psi ( 37.7 °C)
refractive index
1.2861 · 1.2861

Safety & regulation

GHS classification

GHS Classification · 6 items

Danger

H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]

P203, P210, P222, P280, P377, P381, and P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Danger

Hazard information

Regulatory Information · 5 items

Chemical: Propane

Propane is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Propane are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 20-03-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/15445

Propane: HSNO Approval: HSR001010 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Other Safety InformationIMAP assessments - Propane: Human health tier I assessment
DOT LabelFlammable Gas
Fire Hazards · 4 items

Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode. Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a long distance to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)

· EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.;· Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.;· Will form explosive mixtures with air.;· Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.;CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966), Methane (UN1971) and Hydrogen and Methane mixture, compressed (UN2034) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.);· Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.;· Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices.;· Containers may explode when heated.;· Ruptured cylinders may rocket.;CAUTION: When LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972) is released on or near water, product may vaporize explosively.

· EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.;· Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.;· Will form explosive mixtures with air.;· Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.;CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966), Methane (UN1971) and Hydrogen and Methane mixture, compressed (UN2034) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.);· Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.;· Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices.;· Containers may explode when heated.;· Ruptured cylinders may rocket.;CAUTION: When LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972) is released on or near water, product may vaporize explosively.

Extremely flammable. Gas/air mixtures are explosive.

Fire PotentialHighly dangerous when exposed to heat, flame ... .
Health Hazards · 3 items

Vaporizing liquid may cause frostbite. Concentrations in air greater than 10% cause dizziness in a few minutes. 1% concentrations give the same effect in 10 min. High concentrations cause asphyxiation. (USCG, 1999)

· Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas.;· Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations.;· Contact with gas, liquefied gas or cryogenic liquids may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.;· Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.

· Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas.;· Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations.;· Contact with gas, liquefied gas or cryogenic liquids may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.;· Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.

Safety & protection

Fire Fighting · 2 items

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:;DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Hydrogen and Methane mixture, compressed (UN2034) will burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.).;SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.;LARGE FIRE: Water spray or fog. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972) pool fires, DO NOT USE water. Use dry chemical or high-expansion foam.;FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

First Aid Measures · 3 items

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Accidental Release Measures · 4 items

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.;· Keep unauthorized personnel away.;· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.;· Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.;· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.;· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.;· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.;· If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.;· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.;· Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.;CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972), DO NOT apply water, regular or alcohol-resistant foam directly on spill. Use a high-expansion foam if available to reduce vapors.;· Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas.;· Isolate area until gas has dispersed.;CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.;· Keep unauthorized personnel away.;· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.;· Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.;· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.;· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.;· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.;· If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.;· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.;· Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.;CAUTION: For LNG - Liquefied natural gas (UN1972), DO NOT apply water, regular or alcohol-resistant foam directly on spill. Use a high-expansion foam if available to reduce vapors.;· Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems and confined areas.;· Isolate area until gas has dispersed.;CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning.

First Aid · 4 items

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Propane:;Eye: FROSTBITE - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible.;Skin: FROSTBITE - If frostbite has occurred, seek medical attention immediately; do NOT rub the affected areas or flush them with water. In order to prevent further tissue damage, do NOT attempt to remove frozen clothing from frostbitten areas. If frostbite has NOT occurred, immediately and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water.;Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible. (NIOSH, 2024)

General First Aid:;· Call 911 or emergency medical service.;· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.;· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.;· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.;· If victim is not breathing:;-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.;-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).;-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.;· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.;· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.;· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.;· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.;· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.;· Keep victim calm and warm.;· Keep victim under observation.;· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.;· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.;Specific First Aid:;· Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed.

General First Aid:;· Call 911 or emergency medical service.;· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.;· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.;· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.;· If victim is not breathing:;-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.;-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).;-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.;· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.;· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.;· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.;· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.;· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.;· Keep victim calm and warm.;· Keep victim under observation.;· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.;· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.;Specific First Aid:;· Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed.

(General first aid procedures);Eye: Frostbite - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible.;Skin: Frostbite - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen.;Breathing: Respiratory support

Safe StorageFireproof. Cool.
Firefighting Hazards · 2 items

Behavior in fire: Containers may explode; vapor is heavier than air & may travel a long distance to a source of ignition & flash back.

The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible, and may accumulate in low ceiling spaces causing deficiency of oxygen. As a result of flow, agitation, etc, electrostatic charges can be generated ... On loss of containment this liquid evaporates very quickly displacing the air and causing a serious risk of suffocation when in confined areas.

Toxicology

Body BurdenPropane was detected in 1 of 12 samples of mothers breast milk from the cities of Bayonne NJ, Jersey City NJ, Bridgeville PA and Baton Rouge LA(1).
Interactions · 2 items

Propane, when used as an aerosol propellant with isobutane in deodorant and antiperspirant products (65 to 70% by wt), has not been shown to cause skin irritation in 125 human volunteers who applied the aerosol products twice daily for 12 wk.

When dogs were exposed to 15-90% propane concn for 10 min, the heart was more sensitive to ventricular fibrillations induced by epinephrine than without propane treament.

Target Organscentral nervous system
Environmental Fate · 3 items

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 460(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.36(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that propane is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of propane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 7.07X10-1 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 7150 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 62.4 mg/L(5). Propane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). Using cell suspensions of microogranisms isolated from soil and water, propane was oxidized to acetone within 24 hours(6,7), suggesting that biodegradation may be an important fate process in soil and sediment.

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 460(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.36(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that propane is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 7.07X10-1 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 7150 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 62.4 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 41 minutes and 2.6 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 13.1(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). After 192 hr, the trace concn of propane contained in gasoline remained unchanged for both a sterile control and a mixed culture sample collected from ground water contaminated with gasoline(8). This indicates that biodegradation may not be an important fate process in water.

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), propane, which has a vapor pressure of 7150 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Gas-phase propane is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 14 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.15X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Propane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(4).

Food Survey ValuesPropane was detected in emissions during hamburger meat charbroiling at a concentration of 190,000 ug/kg(1).
Adverse EffectsNeurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome;Other Poison - Simple Asphyxiant

Regulatory information

Regulatory Information · 5 items

Chemical: Propane

Propane is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Propane are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 20-03-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/15445

Propane: HSNO Approval: HSR001010 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

FDA Requirements · 2 items

Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

Propane used as a general purpose food additive in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.

FIFRA Requirements · 2 items

Residues of propane are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a propellant in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest.

Residues of propane are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a propellant in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals.

DHS Chemicals of Interest (COI) · 4 items

Propane

1

60000

Flammable chemical that can be released at a facility.

Safety data

F
4.5-31
OEB
A
OEL
TWA: 1000 ppm (1800 mg/m3)
wgk
-
IDLA
2,100 ppm [10% LEL]
tsca
TSCA listed

Chemistry & industry

Pharmacology

Metabolism/Metabolites · 2 items

/Propane/ is metabolized by microorganism via the malonyl succinate pathway.

In mice ... /propane/ was converted to isopropanol and acetone following inhalation. In the presence of microsomes prepared from liver homogenate of mice, the test substance was converted in vitro to isopropanol, too. The oxidation of isopropanol to acetone occurred in the presence of alcohol dehydrogenase. The metabolites were detected in blood, liver, kidney and brain of the exposed mice.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion · 3 items

A death involving asphyxiation by propane inhalation is reported. The presence of propane was determined in blood, brain, kidney, liver, and lung by gas chromatography. The brain showed the highest level of propane, whereas the kidney exhibited the lowest level.

In mice exposed to a liquid gas mixture containing propane, butane, & isobutane, (at 17, 31, & 52%, respectively), death occurred within 15 seconds of exposure. Concn of the cmpd in lung tissue were max within 1 hr of death & decreased thereafter depending on the degree of putrefaction. No residues or only traces were detected by the 15th day postmortem. Max concn were observed in the adipose tissue 4 days after death & the cmpd were still detectable by the 15th day. /Propane, butane & isobutane mixture/

Inhalation represents the major route by which propane is absorbed systemically. Studies ... in human volunteers showed that blood levels of propane could be detected after exposure to 250-1,000 ppm. ... Compared to respiratory absorption, dermal penetration of propane can be considered to be very low. ... the distribution /in tissues/ can be expected to follow the same pattern observed for butane.

Cellular LocationsCytoplasm;Extracellular

Uses & manufacturing

Uses · 6 items

CIR ingredient: Propane

Used as a fuel, solvent, refrigerant, and propellant; [Hawley]

Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry]

Component of liquid petroleum gas for commercial and industrial usage; feedstock in thermal cracking processes used to manufacture ethylene and propylene; refrigerant in chemical refining and gas processing operations; fuel in welding and cutting operations

Organic synthesis, household and industrial fuel, manufacture of ethylene, extractant, solvent, gas enricher, refrigerant, aerosol propellant, mixture for bubble chambers

Used in flame control of weeds in corn, soybeans, cotton, tobacco, strawberries

U.S. Exports · 5 items

(1972) NEGLIGIBLE

(1975) 9.3X10+7 G

(1984) 7.96X10+8 g

(1987) 1.51X10+6 bbl

(1988) 1.90X10+6 bbl

U.S. Imports · 4 items

(1972) NEGLIGIBLE

(1975) 8.7X10+9 G

(1984) 5.27X10+9 g

(1986) 3.88X10+7 barrels

U.S. Production · 6 items

2023: 160,000,000,000 - <170,000,000,000 lb;2022: 230,000,000,000 - <240,000,000,000 lb;2021: 150,000,000,000 - <160,000,000,000 lb;2020: 150,000,000,000 - <160,000,000,000 lb

This chemical is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).

(1972) 4.36X10+12 G

(1975) 2.7X10+9 G

(1984) 3.43X10+12 g

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for PROPANE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Consumption Patterns · 3 items

Excluding propane gas grills, residential and commercial use accounts for 43% of all propane used in the U.S. Of the 107 million households in the U.S., 9.4 million depend on propane for one use or another... 53% of these households rely on propane for their primary heating fuel...

About 44 percent of the propane consumed in the U. S. is used in the petrochemical industry.

... Farm or agricultural uses of propane include crop drying, weed control, and fuel for farm equipment and irrigation pumps.

Consumer UsesOther;Fuel agents;Fuel;Abrasives;Fuels and fuel additives;Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable;Filler;Corrosion inhibitor;Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents);Intermediate;Adhesion/cohesion promoter
Applications · 6 items

DescriptionPropane is colourless and odourless, with a mercaptan odour. Like all fossil fuels, propane is a non-renewable energy source. Propane is a gas derived from natural gas and petroleum. It is found mixed with natural gas and petroleum deposits. Propane is called a ‘fossil fuel’ because it was formed millions of years ago from the remains of tiny sea animals and plants. Propane is a clean-burning, versatile fuel. It is used by nearly everyone, in homes, on farms, by business, and in industry mostly for producing heat and operating equipment. Propane is one of the many fossil fuels included in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) family. Because propane is the type of LPG most commonly used in the United States, propane and LPG are often used synonymously. Butane is another LPG often used in lighters.

DescriptionPropane is a certified reference material standard for propane, a solvent that has been used in the extraction of cannabinoids from Cannabis and has been identified as a contaminant in butane hash oil and Δ9-THC concentrates. It is designed for use as a reference standard for propane by GC- or LC-MS. This product is intended for research and forensic applications.

UsesPropane has been used as a transportation fuel since its discovery. It was first used as an automobile fuel in 1913. It follows gasoline and diesel as the third most popular vehicle fuel and today powers more than half a million vehicles in the United States and 6 million worldwide. The widespread use of propane is hampered by the lack of a distribution system, but it has been used to fuel fleets of buses, taxis, and government vehicles. Also, it is heavily used to power equipment such as forklifts. Propane is cleaner burning than gasoline or diesel and has been used to reduce urban air pollution. Compared to gasoline it emits 10–40% of the carbon monoxide, 30–60% of the hydrocarbons, and 60–90% of the carbon dioxide. An advantage of cleaner burning propane is that engine maintenance is improved because of lower engine deposits and fouling. Propane’s octane ratings range between 104 and 110. The lower emissions are somewhat compromised by propane’s lower energy value; propane has about 75% of the energy content of gasoline when compared by volume. Propane is separated from natural gas and is also produced during petroleum processing. Approximately 53% of the propane produced in the United States comes from the small fraction (less than 5%) found in natural gas and the remainder comes petroleum refining.

UsesPropane’s greatest use is not as a fuel but in the petrochemical industry as a feedstock. Asan alkane, it undergoes typical alkane reactions of combustion, halogenation, pyrolysis, andoxidation.

UsesPropane is used as a fuel gas, as a refrigerant,and in organic synthesis.

General DescriptionA colorless gas with a faint petroleum-like odor. PROPANE is shipped as a liquefied gas under its vapor pressure. For transportation PROPANE may be stenched. Contact with the unconfined liquid can cause frostbite by evaporative cooling. Easily ignited. The vapors are heavier than air and a flame can flash back to the source of leak very easily. The leak may be either a liquid or vapor leak. The vapors can asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket.

Additional notes

DefinitionChEBI: Propane is an alkane and a gas molecular entity. It has a role as a food propellant.

Related reactions

61 records

Linked notes

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