Butane

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Butane is a gaseous (at room temperature) hydrocarbon with chemical formula CH₄.

About Butane

Butane is hydrocarbon because it contains only Hydrogen and Carbon atoms.

Butane can be oxidised to produce Carbon Dioxide and Water.

Butane + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Butane is a gaseous (at room temperature) alkane with chemical formula CH₄.

About Butane

Chemical Formula (CnH2n+2)	Structural Formula	Structural Diagram	Ball and Stick Model
C4H10	CH3CH2CH2CH3

Butane is hydrocarbon because it contains only Hydrogen and Carbon atoms.

Butane can be oxidised to produce Carbon Dioxide and Water.

Butane + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water

2C₄H₁₀ + 13O₂ → 8CO₂ + 10H₂O

References

AQA

Butane, page 188, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Chemistry, CGP, AQA

Butane, page 220, GCSE Chemistry, CGP, AQA