DifferenceBetween.com

Compare and Discern the Clear Difference Between Any Similar Things

Home » Difference Between Propane and Butane

Difference Between Propane and Butane

April 9, 2011 Posted by Olivia

Propane vs Butane

Propane and Butane are names of gases that have many similarities and serve similar purposes. Both are household names today they are used as a fuel for industrial as well as residential purposes. Both are byproducts of petroleum but have different chemical structures and have different features. Both gases have different properties and their own advantages and disadvantages. Let us understand the basic difference between the two gases.

Whereas propane is a three carbon alkane containing three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms, butane is a four carbon alkane containing four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. Both propane and butane can be obtained either in the form of oil or natural gas as a byproduct of petroleum. For the purpose of transportation, they are converted into liquids by compressing them and filled into gas cylinders or distributed through gas pipelines. They are both combustible, and release water and carbon dioxide upon combustion. However, when there is lack of oxygen both propane and butane burn producing soot and carbon dioxide.

Of the two, propane is more commonly used as a fuel for homes. It is also used for heating homes. It is also used as a fuel for vehicles in which condition butylene, propylene and butane are added to it. It is then referred to as Liquid Petroleum Gas or LPG. Since propane is an odorless gas, ethanethiol is added when it is used as a fuel for vehicles which makes it easer to detect in case of any leakages.

Though butane is less commonly used than propane, it is nevertheless a very useful fuel gas. It is used in camping stoves, cigarette lighters, and also as a fuel in aerosols. Butane is cheaper than propane and is also more energy efficient as it produces more energy per unit of fuel upon combustion. Still it is less commonly used as it is difficult to make tanks that can contain this gas. Since butane is 12% lighter than propane, it is ideal for backpackers as they have to carry lesser weight on their backs.

Propane however, scores over butane when it comes to be used in harsh climates as it has lower boiling point. It can be stored at a higher pressure and burns easily at freezing temperatures.

In brief:

• Both propane and butane are gases that are byproducts of petroleum and used for the purpose of fuel but have different properties and pros and cons.

• Propane has three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms in its molecule thus labeled as a three carbon alkane, butane is a four carbon alkane with four carbon and ten hydrogen atoms

• Propane is more popular in North America and used as a fuel for homes and is also used for heating homes. It is also used as a fuel for vehicles when added with butylene, propylene and butane along with ethanethiol

• Butane is cheaper and has higher energy coefficient than propane. It is also lighter than propane

• Propane has a lower boiling point making it more suitable for use in harsh climates

Related posts:

Key Difference Between Nuclear Reactor and Nuclear BombDifference Between Nuclear Reactor and Nuclear Bomb Difference Between Carbon 12 and Carbon 14 Key Difference Between Ductility and MalleabilityDifference Between Ductility and Malleability Difference Between Molecule and AtomDifference Between Molecule and Atom Difference Between Ammonia and Ammonium HydroxideDifference Between Ammonia and Ammonium Hydroxide

Filed Under: Chemistry Tagged With: aerosols, Butane, butylene, byproducts of petroleum, camping stoves, chemical structure of butane, chemical structure of propane, cigarette lighters, commercial use of butane, commercial use of propane, ethanethiol, features of butane, features of propane, Fuel, Liquid Petroleum Gas, LPG, odorless gas, Propane, properties of butane, properties of propane, propylene

About the Author: Olivia

Olivia is a Graduate in Electronic Engineering with HR, Training & Development background and has over 15 years of field experience.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Alzheimers and Dementia

Difference Between Alzheimers and Dementia

Difference Between Which and What

Difference Between Which and What

Difference Between To and For in English Grammar

Difference Between To and For in English Grammar

Difference Between Then and Than in English Grammar

Difference Between Then and Than in English Grammar

You May Like

Difference Between Sri Lanka and Maldives

Difference Between Sri Lanka and Maldives

Difference Between Nokia Lumia 925 and Lumia 1020

Difference Between Certificate and Diploma

Difference Between Certificate and Diploma

Difference Between Pub and Bar

Difference Between Pub and Bar

Difference Between SDS Page and Western Blot

Difference Between SDS Page and Western Blot

Latest Posts

  • Difference Between Rice Flour and Wheat Flour
  • Difference Between Proverbs and Quotes
  • Difference Between Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous
  • Difference Between Cell Division and Nuclear Division
  • Difference Between Deja Vu and Premonitions
  • Difference Between Teleological and Deontological
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.