By Evan Dix
July 19, 2020
Butane (C4H10) is a four carbon molecule connected by single action bonds. However, there are isomers of butane that have the same formula (C4H10) but a different geometrical arrangement. Isobutane is an example of this. Isobutane also has the formula C4H10 but it is a different molecule all together. Isobutane can be represented as i-butane and normal butane can be represented as n-butane. The "n" in the front is letting you know that you are talking about normal butane which is linear and the butane most (99%) of people are referring to when talking about butane.
What is Butane? Butane is a colorless gas with a faint-petroleum-like odor. For transportation it may be stenched. It is shipped as a liquefied gas under its vapor pressure. Contact with the liquid can cause frostbite. It is easily ignited. Its vapors are heavier than air. Any leak can be either liquid or vapor. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. It is used as a fuel, an aerosol propellant, in cigarette lighters, and to make other chemicals.
So in summary, there is no difference between and n-butane. They are the same thing. N-butane is just the more technical, specific name that assures there is no confusion between butane isomers.
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