What is the difference between propane and butane?
The propane or butane gas is compressed in the gas bottle until it becomes liquid (hence the name liquid gas). Propane and butane are both gaseous under normal atmospheric conditions. However, butane can only turn gaseous up to an outside temperature of –0.5C. Butane cannot be used for heating at ambient temperatures of -1C and below. However, propane can convert from liquid to gas at ambient temperatures as low as –41.5 C, and is therefore ideal for winter camping.
Propane and butane are two very similar gases, both used widely for fuel, especially for heating fuel. Although proponents of each gas hold theirs to be the superior gas for a number of reasons, each have benefits and disadvantages. Ultimately, their similarities outweigh their differences, and the choice of which one to use is largely a matter of personal taste of which gas fits a specific need best. Both propane and butane are derived from petroleum, either from oil or natural gas. Propane is a three-carbon alkane, consisting of three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms, while butane is a four-carbon alkane, with four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. Both have much the same reaction when combusted, releasing water and carbon dioxide when they burn under ideal conditions, and when oxygen is limited they may also produce amounts of soot and carbon monoxide. Propane is by far the most common of the two gases in North America, and is seen as a fuel to heat houses, and also for a nu
Propane (red and green cylinders) has a lower boiling point than butane (blue cylinders) and is stored at a higher pressure so it is more suited for storage outside. Butanes boiling point (conversion from liquid to gas) is around 0˚C so in colder conditions around this temperature it will not work.
