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Isobutane

Isobutane is a colorless, flammable, liquefied gas.

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Isobutane

Formula: C4H10, R600A

What is Isobutane?

Isobutane is a colorless, odorless gas that is used in the petrochemical industry, used as a diluent, refrigerant, solvent, propellant, and as part of fuel gas blends.  It is also used in the production of plastics.  Isobutane, an isomer of butane, is different from n-Butane, it has the same formula chemically but with a different atom arrangement.  Isobutane is not a global warming threat and does not deplete the ozone.  

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Applications

Specifications

Further Specifications

Cylinder Sizes

  • Calibration work and filling of thermobulbs in instruments such as temperature and pressure gauges
  • Intermediate in the manufacturing of aviation fuel
  • Manufacturing of organic compounds
  • Propellant for aerosol cans and foam products
  • Part of blended fuels, especially in fuel canisters used for camping
Grade 2 Grade 2.5 Grade 3 Grade 3.5 Grade 4 Grade 4.5
Purity 99.0% 99.5% 99.9% 99.95% 99.99% 99.995%
Nitrogen < 800 ppmv < 400 ppmv < 160 ppmv < 20 ppmv < 20 ppmv < 10 ppmv
Oxygen < 200 ppmv < 100 ppmv < 40 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 2 ppmv
Other Hydrocarbons < 9000 ppmv < 4900 ppmv < 1000 ppmv < 500 ppmv < 90 ppmv < 45 ppmv
Sulfur < 1 ppmv < 1 ppmv < 1 ppmv < 1 ppmv < 1 ppmv < 1 ppmv
Moisture < 10 ppmv < 5 ppmv < 4 ppmv < 3 ppmv < 2 ppmv < 2 ppmv
Total Impurities < 1 % < 5000 ppmv < 1000 ppmv < 500 ppmv < 100 ppmv < 50 ppmv
Chemical & Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 58.124
Specific Volume 6.50 cf/lb
Pressure @ 70° F 31 psig
Flammability Limits 1.8-8.4% in Air
Valve Outlet CGA 510 LB CGA 170
Shipping Information
DOT Name Isobutane
Hazard Class 2.1
DOT No. UN 1969
DOT Label Flammable Gas
CAS No. 75-28-5
Cylinder Size Fill Weight (lb)
1/2 Ton 490
LP30 117
LP15 60
LP05 23
LP01 6
49L/Size 300 50
44L/Size 200 45
16L/Size 80 16
7L/Size 35 7

FAQs about Isobutane

How is Isobutane different from n-Butane?

Isobutane is an isomer of n-butane.  An isomer is a molecule of identical formulation of atoms but in a different arrangement.  Isomers do not always share similar properties however, in the case of these two gases, they are very alike.

How is Isobutane produced?

Butane is converted into isobutane by isomerization.  Isomerization occurs by heating the gas with a catalyst present.  The catalyst increases a reaction rate of a process without disappearing itself. 

Do we encounter Isobutane in everyday life?

Isobutane is a component in gasoline for your car, as a propellant in aerosols such as hairspray, and is a component in refrigeration that keeps your perishable foods at an optimum temperature after being produced, on the journey to the store, and in your own home. 

**Moisture level guaranteed only when Electronic Fluorocarbons prepares the cylinders.
All concentrations are on a mol/mol basis unless otherwise stated.
This product is analyzed liquid phase.

*This gas not available for purchase online.

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