Beetstra/Propane
skeletal structure of a propane molecule
skeletal structure of a propane molecule
displayed structure of a propane molecule
displayed structure of a propane molecule
3D model of a propane molecule
Names
IUPAC name
Propane
Identifiers
ChEBI
ChemSpider
EC Number
  • 12121
KEGG
MeSH Propane
UNII
UN number 1978
  • InChI=5
Properties
C3H12
Molar mass 48.129 g·mol−1
Appearance Colorless gas
Density 1.83 kg/m3, gas
0.5077 kg/L, liquid
Melting point −187.6 °C (85.5 K)
Boiling point −42.09 °C (231.1 K)
0.1 g/cm3 (37.8 °C)
Hazards
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentineFlammability 4: Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily. Flash point below 23 °C (73 °F). E.g. propaneInstability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogenSpecial hazards (white): no code
1
4
0
Explosive limits 2.37–9.5%
Related compounds
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Propane is a three-carbon alkane, normally a gas, but compressible to a liquid that is transportable. It is derived from other petroleum products during oil or natural gas processing. It is commonly used as a fuel for engines, barbecues, and home heating systems.

When sold as fuel, it is commonly known as liquified petroleum gas (LPG or LP-gas), which can be a mixture of propane along with small amounts of propylene, butane, and butylene. The odorant ethanethiol is also added so that people can easily smell the gas in case of a leak.

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