N-Butane

Understanding 99.5% Instrument Grade N-Butane from CK Supply and how it can work for you!

N-Butane: What is it?

N-Butane is a widely used hydrocarbon with applications spanning across various industries, from laboratories and scientific instrumentation to energy production and industrial processes. With a purity level of 99.5% Instrument Grade, N-Butane serves as a reliable and consistent resource for precision-dependent tasks. This blog will explore the properties, uses, and significance of this high-purity gas, particularly focusing on its boiling point of 30.2°F (-1°C) and how it impacts its handling and applications.

N-Butane is a saturated hydrocarbon (alkane) with the chemical formula C₄H₁₀. It is a colorless, odorless gas under standard atmospheric conditions and is highly flammable. As a linear, unbranched alkane, N-Butane differs from its isomer, Isobutane, which has a branched molecular structure. This distinction is crucial when selecting the right butane for specific industrial or laboratory applications.

Properties of N-Butane (99.5% Instrument Grade)

  • Purity: 99.5% (Instrument Grade)
  • Boiling Point: 30.2°F (-1°C)
  • Molecular Weight: 58.12 g/mol
  • Density: ~2.48 kg/m³ (at standard temperature and pressure)
  • State at Room Temperature: Gas
  • Flammability: Highly flammable
  • Odor: Odorless (often mixed with an odorant for safety in commercial applications)
  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents

How is N-Butane Used?

N-Butane (99.5% Instrument Grade) is a highly versatile and valuable hydrocarbon with applications ranging from laboratory analysis to fuel sources and industrial refining. Its boiling point of 30.2°F (-1°C) makes it a manageable gas under controlled conditions, allowing for safe transportation and usage. With increasing demand in analytical sciences, manufacturing, and green energy solutions, high-purity N-Butane remains an essential resource in modern industries.

Understanding its properties and handling requirements ensures that users can maximize its benefits while maintaining safety and sustainability in their operations. Whether used in scientific research, aerosol manufacturing, or refrigeration, N-Butane continues to be an indispensable element of modern technological advancements.

  • N-Butane (99.5% Instrument Grade) is widely used in laboratories and industrial settings where high-purity hydrocarbons are required.
  • It serves as a calibration gas in gas chromatography and other analytical techniques.
  • Ensures consistent results in precision-based applications by minimizing contamination risks.
  • Due to its controlled boiling point and clean combustion, N-Butane is a popular choice in aerosolized products such as spray paints, deodorants, and pharmaceutical inhalers.
  • It provides a stable propellant with minimal environmental impact compared to CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).
  • Used in disposable lighters, torches, and camping stoves.
  • Its ability to transition between liquid and gas forms at moderate temperatures makes it ideal for portable fuel applications.
  • N-Butane plays a critical role in refining processes, particularly in alkylation units where it helps produce high-octane gasoline components.
  • Used as a feedstock in the production of butadiene, a key ingredient in synthetic rubber manufacturing.
  • In some applications, N-Butane is used as a refrigerant (R-600) due to its low environmental impact compared to traditional refrigerants.
  • Found in eco-friendly cooling systems and energy-efficient refrigeration solutions.
  • N-Butane is widely used in the extraction of essential oils and active compounds from cannabis plants.
  • Its ability to evaporate cleanly and leave minimal residue makes it a preferred solvent for high-purity extracts.

CK Supply is Your Go-To Source for N-Butane!

CK Supply proudly provides N-Butane for a variety of uses. Contact us today, and we’ll work together to find a solution that works for you.

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Making a Point of the Boiling Point

One of the key characteristics of N-Butane (99.5% Instrument Grade) is its boiling point of 30.2°F (-1°C). This means that at temperatures above -1°C, N-Butane remains in a gaseous state, while at lower temperatures, it transitions into a liquid. This property is particularly useful for storage, transportation, and usage in various industrial applications where controlled phase transitions are required.

Safe Handling and Storage Considerations

Given its flammability and potential for asphyxiation in confined spaces, handling N-Butane requires strict safety precautions:

  • Storage Conditions:
    • Keep in well-ventilated areas.
    • Store in pressurized cylinders at temperatures below its boiling point to maintain its liquid state for safer handling.
  • Leak Prevention:
    • Always check for leaks using soapy water or gas detectors.
    • Ensure cylinders and tanks are properly sealed when not in use.
  • Fire Safety Measures:
    • Store away from open flames, sparks, and ignition sources.
    • Use explosion-proof equipment in areas where N-Butane is handled.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    • Wear gloves and safety goggles when handling liquid butane.
    • Ensure the workspace is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of gas.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

As industries move toward greener energy solutions, N-Butane presents a more environmentally friendly alternativeto some traditional hydrocarbons:

  • Lower Carbon Emissions: Compared to coal and some fossil fuels, butane combustion releases fewer pollutants.
  • Ozone-Friendly Refrigerant: Used in refrigeration as a replacement for high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants.
  • Eco-Friendly Extraction: Preferred in solvent extraction industries due to its low residual toxicity and minimal environmental footprint.

Contact Our Customer Sales Specialists to Discuss Your Particular Gas Requirement at (314) 644-3500.

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