Butane
CAS 106-97-8
EC 203-448-7
Formula C4H10
MW 58.12 g/mol
Solvents Oil, Gas & EnergyAutomotiveFood & Nutrition Solvent & Carrier
Description
Butane (CAS 106-97-8) is a saturated hydrocarbon gas supplied under designations including R 600, A 21, Q GAS, LPG, and the food additive code E943a. It is classified under EC 203-448-7 and HS code 2901100000, and belongs to the liquefied petroleum gas family.
In food production, butane functions as a propellant and packaging gas (E943a), maintaining pressure in aerosol systems without reacting with product contents. In the energy and automotive sectors, it serves as a fuel component and solvent carrier, where its controlled combustion properties and solubility characteristics make it suitable for blending and extraction processes.
Butane is available in food-grade (FCC-compliant) and technical grades, supplied as a liquefied gas in pressurised cylinders or bulk tankers. It falls under REACH registration requirements and, where used in food contact applications, must comply with EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 governing food additives.
In food production, butane functions as a propellant and packaging gas (E943a), maintaining pressure in aerosol systems without reacting with product contents. In the energy and automotive sectors, it serves as a fuel component and solvent carrier, where its controlled combustion properties and solubility characteristics make it suitable for blending and extraction processes.
Butane is available in food-grade (FCC-compliant) and technical grades, supplied as a liquefied gas in pressurised cylinders or bulk tankers. It falls under REACH registration requirements and, where used in food contact applications, must comply with EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 governing food additives.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -138.2 °C |
| Boiling Point | -0.50 °C |
| Density | 0.5788 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 45 °C |
| Appearance | colourless gas |
| Odor | faint disagreeable odor |
| Form | gas |
| Water Solubility | 73.24mg/L(25 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 3.21, 1.26, and 0.66 mM at 4, 25, and 50 °C, respectively (Kresheck et al., 1965) |
| Refractive Index | 1.3326 |
| Log P | 2.890 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS02 GHS04 GHS08 GHS07
H
H220H280H336H340H350H372
P
P203P210P222P260P261P264P270P271P280P318P319P377P381P403P405P501P304+P340P403+P233P410+P403
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 2901100000 |
| UN Number | 2037 |
| ADR Class | 2.1 |
| Storage Class | 2A - Gases |
Other Names
R-600E943aE 943aLPGA 21R 600Q GASHC 600Butani
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.