própans

Propane is a three-carbon alkane with the chemical formula C3H8. It is a highly flammable, colorless, and odorless gas at standard temperature and pressure. However, commercial propane is often odorized with mercaptans to make leaks detectable. Propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. It is a common fuel used for heating, cooking, and transportation.

The molecular structure of propane consists of a chain of three carbon atoms, with each internal carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms and each end carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. This arrangement gives propane its characteristic formula. Propane exists as a gas under normal atmospheric conditions but can be liquefied under moderate pressure, which is how it is typically stored and transported in tanks.

Propane's low boiling point (-42 degrees Celsius) makes it easy to vaporize for use as a fuel. It burns efficiently and produces relatively low carbon emissions compared to some other fossil fuels. This has led to its widespread use in domestic settings for stoves, water heaters, and furnaces, as well as in recreational vehicles and camping equipment. In industrial applications, propane is used as a refrigerant and as a feedstock for the production of other chemicals. Its versatility and relative environmental friendliness contribute to its continued popularity as an energy source.