CHCH3CH2CH3

CHCH3CH2CH3 is not a standard chemical name and, as written, is ambiguous. It resembles a condensed structural formula for a four-carbon alkane, but the conventional representation for a straight-chain butane is CH3CH2CH2CH3, which corresponds to the hydrocarbon known as butane.

Butane exists as two constitutional isomers: n-butane (CH3CH2CH2CH3) and isobutane, also called methylpropane (CH3CH(CH3)CH3). Both share the molecular formula C4H10 but differ in carbon connectivity and physical properties.

Both isomers are colorless and flammable and behave as gases at room temperature and standard pressure, with boiling points around -0.5 °C for n-butane and -11.7 °C for isobutane. They are highly volatile and can form explosive mixtures with air under appropriate conditions.

In terms of uses, n-butane is commonly employed as a fuel component in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and as a solvent in certain industrial processes. Isobutane is widely used as a propellant in aerosol products and as a refrigerant (R-600a). Both compounds also serve as feedstocks in various chemical syntheses and as solvent components in some applications.

Safety considerations are important: both CH4-like isomers are highly flammable and can pose fire and explosion hazards if exposed to heat, sparks, or oxidizers. They should be stored in well-ventilated areas and handled with appropriate containment and leakage precautions. See also butane, isobutane, and liquefied petroleum gas for related topics.