Butane facts for kids

Butane is a type of organic compound. It's a gas that you can't see or smell easily, but it's used in many things around us. Its chemical formula is C4H10, which means each molecule of butane has 4 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms. It's part of a family of chemicals called alkanes. Butane is often used as a fuel and in aerosol spray cans.

Aerosol spray cans often contain Butane

What is Butane Used For?

Butane is a very useful gas! You might find it in small canisters used for cooking outdoors or when camping. It's also the fuel inside many cigarette lighters.

Butane is also used as a special gas called a propellant in aerosol sprays, like those used for hairspray or deodorants. This propellant helps push the product out of the can. Some types of butane are even used in refrigerators to help keep things cold.

Sometimes, butane is mixed with another gas called Propane. This mixture is known as LPG, which is a common fuel for heating and cooking.

Dangers of Butane Gas

Even though butane is useful, it can be dangerous if not handled carefully.

• Breathing it in: If someone breathes in a lot of butane, it can take the place of oxygen in their lungs. This can be very harmful and lead to serious health problems or even death because the body doesn't get enough oxygen.
• Skin contact: If liquid butane touches your skin, it can cause frostbite. This is like a burn from extreme cold.
• Fire and explosions: Butane is a volatile gas, which means it can easily turn into a vapor. If butane gas mixes with air and there's a spark or flame, it can catch fire or even explode. This is why it's very important to use butane in well-ventilated areas and away from any heat sources.

Images for kids

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  A simple drawing of a butane molecule.

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  Another way to draw butane, showing all the atoms.

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  A 3D model of butane, like tiny balls connected by sticks.

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  A 3D model of butane, showing how much space the atoms take up.

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  Propane & butane density data

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  The colors of the blue flame from a butane torch.

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  Butane fuel canisters for use in camping stoves.

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  A butane lighter, showing the liquid butane inside.

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  A large butane gas cylinder used for cooking.

See also

In Spanish: Butano para niños