Electro Plating, High-Purity Solvents

1, 4-Butane

n-Butane is an alkane with four carbon atoms, commonly found as a colorless and highly flammable gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Recognized under the IUPAC designation as butane, it is an essential component of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is primarily derived from natural gas processing and petroleum refining. Its structural simplicity as a linear saturated hydrocarbon makes it a foundational building block in organic synthesis and industrial chemistry. Characterized by its low boiling point and high volatility, butane can be easily liquefied under moderate pressure, facilitating efficient storage and transport. In its refined state, it serves as a crucial feedstock for the production of petrochemicals like ethylene and butadiene. Its thermodynamic properties allow for its widespread use in heating, refrigeration, and specialized industrial processes. While odorless in its pure form, commercial butane often contains odorants for safety. Understanding its molecular behavior is vital for high-performance chemical engineering.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High Energy Density: Delivers exceptional caloric value for efficient combustion and fuel applications.
High Purity Levels: Available in both technical and instrument grades to meet diverse industrial standards.
Ease of Liquefaction: Easily transitions to liquid form under relatively low pressure conditions.
Chemical Stability: Remains non-reactive and stable under standard storage and handling environments.
Low Environmental Toxicity: Exhibits minimal environmental impact compared to heavier hydrocarbon alternatives.
Cost-Effective Transport: Can be efficiently stored and transported in standardized pressure vessels at scale.
Versatile Isomerism: Can be readily converted to isobutane for use in various chemical reactions.
Clean Combustion: Produces minimal soot and particulate emissions during burning.
Excellent Solvency: Effective as a solvent, particularly in botanical and extraction processes.
Thermal Efficiency: Optimizes energy output in industrial heating and power generation systems.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Formula: C₄H₁₀ with a molar mass of 58.12 g/mol.
Boiling Point: Approximately -0.5°C at standard atmospheric pressure.
Critical Temperature: Reaches 152°C at its critical state point.
Vapor Pressure: Exhibits a pressure of around 208 kPa at 20°C.
Flash Point: Extremely low at about -60°C, indicating high flammability.
Autoignition Temperature: Typically ignites at around 287°C in air.
Solubility: Insoluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents.
Gas Density: Approximately 2.48 kg/m³ under standard temperature and pressure.
Lower Explosive Limit: Flammability begins at concentrations as low as 1.8% in air.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Electrical and Electronics: Widely used in connectors, switches, PCB housings, and terminal blocks.
Automotive: Suitable for under-hood components, interior assemblies, and cable conduits.
Wire and Cable: Applied in insulation layers, sheathing, and jacketing materials.
Construction: Utilized in plastic fittings, conduits, and insulation panels.
Consumer Appliances: Ideal for enclosures, adapters, plugs, and protective casings.
Industrial Components: Used in fiber-reinforced composites and flame-retardant masterbatches.
Compatible Polymers (Polyamides): Effective with PA6 and PA66 for enhanced performance.
Compatible Polymers (Polyesters): Suitable for PBT and PET applications.
Compatible Polymers (Polyolefins): Works well with PE and PP materials.
Polymer Compatibility: Supports blends and copolymers requiring halogen-free flame retardancy.