Propane

Introduction

Propane is nothing but a gas molecular entity that mainly acts as a propellant for food. Although it has no colour, consists of a faint petroleum-like odour. Two processes help in obtaining this gas and it is formed as a by-product of the processes petroleum refining and natural gas processing.

Overview of propane

Propane is also named as Propyl hydride, Dimethylmethane, and n-Propane. It has the chemical formula of C3H8 called three-carbon alkenes. It is a molecular entity of gas that acts like a food propellant. It was invented by Marcellin Berthelot, a French chemist in the year 1857.

Figure 1 − Atomic structure of propane

This is a gas that consists of no colour and has a faint petroleum-like odour. It is soluble in many things like ethyl ether, chloroform, and benzene. It is normally getting as a by- product of petroleum refining and natural gas processing. The most common use of this gas is as fuel.

The liquid form of propane is able in vaporisation mainly causes gangrene. It can cause dizziness when its concentration in the air becomes greater than 10%. The higher dose can also cause asphyxiation and it can explode the containers. The vapour of this gas is heavier as compared to the air and it is also a flammable gas.

Propane properties

Propane is a hydrocarbon and it is non-polar in nature. This gas can mix up with other non-polar compounds. The properties are described below −

Formula of propane	$\mathrm{C_{3}H_{8}}$
Weight of molecule	44.097 g/mol
Melting point	187.7 °C
Boiling point	42.25 to 42.04 °C
Gas density of propane	2.0098 kg/m3
Critical temperature	206.6 F

Table 1 − Propane properties

Structure of propane

Above picture shows that this is mono-isotopicand the exact mass of the Dimethylmethane is 44.063 g/mol. The numbers of donors and acceptors of the hydrogen bond are equal to zero. It also shows that propane is made of eight atoms of hydrogen and three atoms of carbon.

Every atom is connected with the single covalent bond which shows the presence of four carbon atoms within the carbon atoms. It is mainly found in the form of a chain and the structure looks like C-C-C.

Applications of propane

There are several uses of propane, presented below −

• This gas is applied in food additives.

• It is a component of the gas of petroleum.

• Propane is applied in the manufacturing process of ethylene as well as propylene.

• In the case of welding and other cutting operations, it is applied as a fuel.

• This gas is called a primary component for the synthesis of chemicals.

• This is the energy source of the water heaters as well as motor vehicles.

• Propane is applied as improvised explosive devices.

• Applied in the refrigeration process, in lawn movers and applied in the campaign.

Chemical reaction of Propane

The chemical reaction of propane is like other alkanes. Propane also goes through combustion reactions. This compound can be burned in the presence of oxygen that is produced in an excess form of water and carbon dioxide. The reaction is −

$$\mathrm{C_{3}H_{8}\:+\:5O_{2}\rightarrow\:3CO_{2}\:+\:4H_{2}O\:+\:heat}$$

Using of too much as well as too less oxygen for the combustion reaction can be the reason for incomplete combustion. It then forms carbon (soot) as well as carbon monoxide. The reaction is −

$$\mathrm{C_{3}H_{8}\:+\:9O_{2}\rightarrow\:2CO_{2}\:+\:CO\:+\:heat}$$

$$\mathrm{C_{3}H_{8}\:+\:10O_{2}\rightarrow\:3CO_{2}\:+\:4H_{2}O\:+\:heat}$$

Here, the hydrogen content of the Propyl hydride is seen as high; hence, it burns higher than diesel fuel. The presence of the C–C bonds, are the reason for burning with a high flame.

Difference between propane and propyne

Propane is mainly a terminal alkane and does not give any white precipitate in presence of ammonical silver nitrate. Therefore, it is seen that both propane and propyne can be differentiated by the solution of ammonical silver nitrate.

The alkynes of the terminal created the silver salt with Tollen’s reagent but the alkane does not react with the reagent of Tollen. That is the reason the Tollen’s reagent is applied for distinguishing the terminal alkyne such as propyne from that of the alkane and from the internal alkynes.

Conclusion

The tutorial shows that propane is a molecule and it consists of eight atoms of hydrogen bonds as well as bonds of three carbon atoms. It consists of a molecular mass of 44.097 g/mol. It has a confirmation of tetrahedral and a free rotation of the molar mass. The gas has various uses including food additives and in the component of petroleum gas.

FAQs

1. Where does propane exist?

Propane is mainly found in the rocks, they are also mixed with the natural gas and petroleum deposits. It is also considered fossil fuel because it is produced through the remains of tiny animals.

2. What features does propane consist of?

It consists of some features like non-toxic, colourless and nearly odourless gas.