Butane
CAS Number
106-97-8
EC Number
203-448-7
E Number
E942
What is Butane?
Butane (CAS 106-97-8), also identified as R-600 and E943a, is a liquefied petroleum gas used in energy, industrial and food-grade applications.
Where is Butane used?
- Food and beverage: propellant and extraction solvent under E943a, in aerosol food products and edible oil extraction
- Oil and gas: blending component in LPG formulations and feedstock for petrochemical synthesis, including butylene production
- Automotive: fuel blend component in LPG vehicle systems, where vapor pressure characteristics determine seasonal blending ratios
- Synthetic rubber manufacturing
- Refrigeration: R-600, a low-GWP alternative in domestic and light commercial systems
- It functions as a fuel, propellant and extraction solvent.
Good to know: Food-grade product conforms to FCC requirements for use as a solvent and is suitable for direct food contact as a propellant.
Commercial specifications
- Purity grades range from commercial LPG blends to high-purity instrument and extraction grades
- ISO containers for transport
Other Names (Synonyms)
R-600|normal-butane|n-C4H10|n-butane|E943a|diethyl|butyl hydride|Butanen
What are the physical properties of Butane?
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
How is Butane classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS04· Compressed Gas GHS08· Health Hazard GHS07· Irritant
Hazard Statements
H220 Extremely flammable gas
H280 Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness
H340 May cause genetic defects
H350 May cause cancer
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P222 Do not allow contact with air.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Butane?
HS Code 2901100000
UN Number 2037
ADR Class 2.1
Storage Class 2A - Gases