Butane Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
butane
[หbjuหteษชn ]
Definition
chemical compound
Butane is a highly flammable, colorless gas or a gas that can be easily compressed into a liquid. It belongs to the alkane series, characterized by its straight-chain and branched isomers. Used primarily as a fuel, it is commonly found in lighters and portable stoves. Butane is also utilized in the petrochemical industry for the production of various chemicals and as a feedstock in refineries.
Synonyms
iso-butane, n-butane.
Examples of usage
- The lighter uses butane as fuel.
- Butane is commonly used in camping stoves.
- He filled his torch with butane.
- The chemical plant produces butane for various applications.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Applications
- Butane is commonly used in lighters and portable stoves because it burns easily and efficiently.
- In the petrochemical industry, butane is used to produce gasoline and other chemicals.
- Butane is also a propellant in aerosol sprays, helping to deliver product in a fine mist.
Environmental Impact
- When burned, butane produces carbon dioxide and water, but it is considered cleaner than many other fossil fuels.
- However, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which are a concern for climate change.
Chemical Properties
- Butane is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C4H10, meaning it contains four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms.
- It can exist in two forms: isobutane and n-butane, which have slightly different structures and properties.
Safety
- Butane is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air, making proper storage and handling essential.
- Inhalation of butane can be dangerous, causing dizziness or nausea, highlighting the need for ventilation when using it.
Origin of 'butane'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'butane' comes from the word 'butyric acid', which comes from butter, because the gas was first discovered in butter fat.
- It was first isolated in 1849 by a chemist named Edmund Ronalds.
The word 'butane' originates from the early 19th century, derived from 'butyric acid,' which is obtained from butter and comes from the French word 'butyre,' meaning butter. The name was formulated in relation to the chemical properties and structure of the compound, which is categorized within the alkane family. Alkanes are hydrocarbons with single bonds and follow the general formula CnH2n+2. Butane was first isolated and identified in its pure form in the 1850s by chemists experimenting with distillation processes of natural gases. The understanding of butane has evolved since its discovery, recognizing its industrial and practical applications in gas fuels and refrigeration.