Butane

Butane gas, discovered by chemist Edward Frankland in 1849, is a member of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) family. Today, it is widely used in both commercial and residential settings for applications such as powering refrigerators, lighters, and aerosols. Its properties—high flammability, colorlessness, odorlessness, and ease of liquefaction—make butane a popular choice for various uses.

1. Portable Grills/BBQs

Butane gas is particularly favored for camping and summer BBQs due to its portability. It ignites instantly and reaches maximum heat output quickly, allowing for immediate cooking without long warm-up times. Additionally, butane is cost-effective, being cheaper than propane while producing 12% more energy when burned. This efficiency makes it an excellent choice for outdoor cooking.

2. Refrigerators

Historically, methane was used in refrigerators, but its negative impact on the ozone layer led to the adoption of butane gas. Butane is now used as a refrigerant, evaporating inside the fridge to create cold temperatures. In some cases, gasoline is added to enhance the performance of the butane, ensuring efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration.

3. Aerosols

Modern aerosols commonly use butane gas as a propellant. Under high pressure, butane is liquefied, allowing a significant amount of gas to be stored in a compact space. Inside the can, the vapor from the liquefied gas maintains constant pressure, enabling consistent product dispensation. However, due to its flammability, aerosols containing butane should not be sprayed near open flames.

4. Lighters

Butane is ideal for lighters due to its ability to withstand compression. The low vapor pressure required for butane allows it to be safely stored in small plastic vessels, such as lighters. When the pressure is released through a valve, the liquid butane quickly vaporizes, making it easily ignitable with atmospheric oxygen. Additionally, as a hydrocarbon, butane does not damage plastic, ensuring safe and reliable use in lighters.