What is butane, what are its properties and how does it differ from propane? Learn why butane is used in mini gas canisters and lighters, why stoves give a weak flame in cold weather, and safety tips for using it.
On mini gas canisters, lighters and aerosol cans you often see the word “butane”. So what is butane, why is it so widely used in everyday life and what should you bear in mind when using it? This article briefly explains the properties of butane, its common uses, how it differs from propane and the basic safety principles.
Butane is a hydrocarbon with the formula C₄H₁₀, belonging to the group of petroleum gases. Butane has two structural forms, n-butane and isobutane, with very similar properties. Together with propane, butane is a main component of liquefied petroleum gas — see what is LPG.
At normal temperature and pressure, butane is a colourless gas. Pure butane is almost odourless, which is why commercial gas fuels usually have an odorant added so that users can easily detect a leak — find out more in what gas smells like.
See more product lines in our clean butane mini gas category.
| Criterion | Butane | Propane |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | C₄H₁₀ | C₃H₈ |
| Vapour pressure | Lower | Higher |
| In cold weather | Vaporises poorly, weak flame | Still vaporises better |
| Typical uses | Mini gas canisters, lighters | Gas cylinders (blended with butane), industrial uses |
Because its vapour pressure is lower, butane suits thin-walled single-use canisters. Propane needs a container that withstands higher pressure, such as a steel gas cylinder.
The phrase “clean gas” on mini gas canisters usually refers to butane burning relatively cleanly: when burnt properly with enough air, the flame is blue, with little soot and less smoke than charcoal or firewood. This does not mean the gas is harmless. Burning without enough oxygen still produces dangerous CO, so always use stoves in a well-ventilated place.
Butane is one component of LPG; to tell this group of gases apart from liquefied and compressed natural gas, see our comparison of LPG, LNG and CNG, which includes safety notes on whether each gas settles low down or rises.
Butane is not highly toxic at low concentrations, but inhaling high concentrations is very dangerous because it causes oxygen deprivation. The bigger risks are fire or explosion from a leak and CO when it burns without enough air.
Butane vaporises poorly at low temperatures, the pressure in the canister drops and so the flame is weak. Let the canister return to room temperature naturally; do not warm it over a flame.
It depends on the product. Some types have other components added to improve performance in the cold; check the information printed on the canister.
Understanding what butane is helps you use and store gas canisters correctly. VietnhatGas manufactures and supplies butane mini gas canisters to dealers, shops and OEM orders — see selling mini gas canisters. Send a request on our quotation page.
Written by the VietnhatGas technical and sales team — a batch manufacturer of LPG cylinders. This content is for reference; regulations and standards may change, so please check the current texts.
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