Isobutane
Description
Isobutane (CAS 75-28-5), also recognized in refrigerant markets as R600a and in food applications as E943b, is a liquefied hydrocarbon gas used as a propellant and solvent carrier.
Its low boiling point and clean vaporization profile make it a practical choice where residue-free delivery or efficient heat transfer is required across multiple industrial sectors.
In food and aerosol manufacturing, E943b functions as a propellant in spray products, delivering controlled pressure without leaving residue in the final product for consumers.
Refrigeration systems, particularly domestic appliances and light commercial units, use R600a as a natural refrigerant with low global warming potential as a preferred alternative to synthetic HFCs.
In the oil and gas sector, isobutane is used as a blending component in alkylation processes to produce high-octane gasoline fractions for the automotive and energy industries.
Aerosol personal care and household product manufacturers also rely on it as a solvent carrier to dissolve and uniformly disperse active ingredients in various formulations.
Isobutane is supplied as a liquefied gas in pressurized cylinders, ISO tanks, and bulk transport vessels. Refrigerant-grade R600a is available to high purity specifications.
Food-grade supply conforming to E943b specifications is available for aerosol and propellant use in regulated food contact applications and meets necessary safety requirements.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -138.3 °C |
| Boiling Point | -11.7 °C |
| Density | 0.61415 g/cm³ @ Temp: -29.5 °C |
| Flash Point | -83 °C |
| Appearance | colourless odourless gas (or colourless cryogenic liquid) |
| Color | Colorless, very flammable gas with a faint odor |
| Form | Colorless gas |
| Water Solubility | 48.9 mg/kg at 25 °C (shake flask-GC, McAuliffe, 1963, 1966) |
| Vapor Pressure | 72.2 psi ( 37.7 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.3518 |
| Log P | 2.760 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 2901100000 |
| UN Number | 1969 |
| ADR Class | 2.1 |
| Storage Class | 2A - Gases |
Documentation
Other Names
R600a|E943b|2-Methylpropane|(CH3)2CH-CH3|1,1-Dimethylethane|Caswell No. 503A|Propane, 2-methyl-
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