Propane

Figure 1. Space-filling model of a propane molecule. The black spheres represent carbon and the white spheres represent hydrogen

Propane is an alkane with the chemical formula C₃H₈. As a type of hydrocarbon, it can undergo hydrocarbon combustion, which gives off heat. Propane is one of the hydrocarbon components of raw natural gas, which is a type of fossil fuel. Propane is usually removed from natural gas before being shipped to customers, but is also sold separately as a fuel on its own.

Figure 2. A standard propane storage tank.

Propane is normally in a gaseous state during consumption. However, it is normally stored as a liquefied propane gas in tanks such as the one shown in Figure 2. Propane has one of the highest energy densities (50.3 MJ/kg) of any hydrocarbon, second only to methane.

Propane is a hydrocarbon commonly used in domestic settings. It is normally seen in appliances such as barbecues, patio heaters, and camping stoves.

Properties

Below is a table of some of the basic properties of propane.

Chemical formula	C3H8
Molecular Mass	44.1 grams/mole
Energy density	50.3 MJ/kg
Melting Point	-190oC
Boiling Point	-42oC

Combustion Reaction

Propane releases its chemical energy by undergoing hydrocarbon combustion. Below is a hydrocarbon combustion animation showing the net reaction that occurs when propane combines with oxygen.

C₃H₈ + 5O₂ → 3CO₂ + 4H₂O + Heat Energy (Enthalpy)

The hydrocarbon combustion reaction releases heat energy and is an example of an exothermic reaction. The reaction also has a negative enthalpy change (ΔH) value.

For Further Reading

• Hydrocarbon
• Hydrocarbon combustion
• Chemical energy
• Chemical bond
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