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Propane Characteristics
Propane is a saturated hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C3H8. Structurally, two of its carbons are terminal methyl structures with three hydrogen atoms bonded in a tetrahedral manner about the central carbon, which has a fourth bond to another carbon in the chain. The middle carbon is surrounded by only two hydrogen atoms because two of its bonds are with other carbons in the chain. Propane is a gas at room temperature but can be compressed into a liquid for transport. High pressure is necessary to condense propane because it exists as a liquid at all temperatures above negative 42.1 degrees Celsius.
Butane Properties
Butane is a saturated hydrocarbon, similar to propane, but comprised of a string of four carbons surrounded by hydrogen atoms. Two carbon atomss are terminal and bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one internal carbon, while the other two carbons are bonded each to two hydrogen atoms, one another, and one terminal carbon.
Butane has the chemical formula C4H10 and can exist in up to three constitutional isomers. Its added size makes it more vulnerable to intermolecular forces and so butane can remain a liquid at higher temperatures than propane -- butane boils at just under zero degrees Celsius. It can be forced into liquid form under less pressure than propane and can be easier to transport.
Propane and Butane Jets During Combustion
Although butane is a large, fairly complex molecule it contains more energy than the slightly smaller propane. When ignited and burned at the same temperature as propane, a butane jet will burn longer and produce more chemical byproducts of combustion when compared to propane. Its energy density makes it a more efficient fuel to burn because more energy can be derived from burning the same amount of butane as propane at the same temperature. This energy density makes butane a common fuel in small lighters.
Waste Products of Butane and Propane Jets
Butane and propane jets burned at the same temperature will produce the same byproducts: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and water. However, because butane has one additional carbon and two additional hydrogen atoms when compared to propane, for an equal volume of butane burned versus propane burned, one third more carbon dioxide and one quarter more water vapor will be produced. More carbon monoxide will likely form from combustion of butane into a jet because more oxygen will be needed for complete combustion; any shortage will result in a greater tendency for carbon monoxide to form as a result of incomplete combustion.