Butane

1Identification

Name

Butane

IUPAC name

butane

CAS number

106-97-8

EC number

203-448-7

Molecular formula

C4H10

Molecular weight

58.12 g/mol

InChIKey

IJDNQMDRQITEOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCC

PubChem CID

7843

Synonyms

BUTANE, n-Butane, Diethyl, Methylethylmethane, Butanen, Butani, Butyl hydride, HC 600, A 21 (lowing agent), R 600, n-Butan, E943a, n-C4H10, INS NO.943

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Butane
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• CIR ingredient: n-Butane
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as an aerosol propellant, fuel, and chemical intermediate; present in natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); [ACGIH]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Fuels and fuel additives Processing aids not otherwise specified Fuel Fuel agents Abrasives Other Intermediate Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents) Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Sealant (barrier)
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Intermediate Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents) Filler Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Fuels and fuel additives Fuel Fuel agents Other
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Food additives · Food Additives -> PROPELLANT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Cosmetics -> Propellant

Description

• Butane is a colorless gas with a faint petroleum-like odor. For transportation it may be stenched. It is shipped as a liquefied gas under its vapor pressure. Contact with the liquid can cause frostbite. It is easily ignited. Its vapors are heavier than air. Any leak can be either liquid or vapor. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. It is used as a fuel, an aerosol propellant, in cigarette lighters, and to make other chemicals.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Butane is a straight chain alkane composed of 4 carbon atoms. It has a role as a food propellant and a refrigerant. It is a gas molecular entity and an alkane.
  ChEBI
• butane has been reported in Calendula officinalis, Stemona tuberosa, and Fragaria with data available.
  LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS04

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 4 - Materials that rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• High exposure produces drowsiness but no other evidence of systemic effect. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations. · Contact with gas, liquefied gas or cryogenic liquids may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. · Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966), Methane (UN1971) and Hydrogen and Methane mixture, compressed (UN2034) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. · Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. · Will form explosive mixtures with air. · Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966), Methane (UN1971) and Hydrogen and Methane mixture, compressed (UN2034) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) · Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Extremely flammable. Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] TLV Basis is CNS impairment; Caused drowsiness in 6 men and 6 women after exposure to 1% (10,000 ppm) for 10 minutes; The median effective concentration (EC50) for producing cardiac sensitization in anesthetized dogs was 7% (70,000 ppm). No symptoms in 53 refinery workers exposed to 1 to 8 ppm for 11 years; Deaths in butane gas abusers were attributed to hypoxia and cardiac failure. [ACGIH: Butane, isomers] A chemical abused by inhaling (lighter fluid); may be abused by teenagers because it is cheap and available; Butane is in the list of Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation published on the web site of the U.N.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. If symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop, immediately transport the victim to a hospital. SKIN: CAUTION: Exposure of skin to compressed gases may result in freezing of the skin. Treatment for frostbite may be necessary. Remove the victim from the source of contamination.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Frostbite - If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately; if tissue is not frozen, immediately and thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the lower and upper eyelids. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, get medical attention as soon as possible. Skin: Frostbite - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen. Breathing: Respiratory support
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• drowsiness, narcosis, asphyxia; liquid: frostbite
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. -Carbon oxides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. · In fires involving Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) (UN1075), Butane (UN1011), Butylene (UN1012), Isobutylene (UN1055), Propylene (UN1077), Isobutane (UN1969), and Propane (UN1978), also refer to the "BLEVE - Safety Precautions" section.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Cool.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Butane in liquid form may be stored both above and below ground. Besides storage in liquefied form under its vapor pressure at normal atmospheric temperatures, refrigerated liquid storage at atmospheric pressure may be used. Such systems are closed and insulated, and the liquid petroleum gas vapor is circulated through pumps and compressors to serve as the refrigerant for the system. Butane may be stored in pits in the earth capped by metal domes and in underground chambers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Storage temp: ambient; venting: safety relief.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for n-Butane: Skin: FROSTBITE - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen. Eyes: FROSTBITE - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact with the liquid that could result in burns or tissue damage from frostbite. Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact with the liquid that could result in burns or tissue damage from frostbite.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Quick drench facilities and/or eyewash fountains should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is any possibility of exposure to liquids that are extremely cold or rapidly evaporating.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• Important additional information about respirator selection
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• BUTANE can explode when exposed to flame or when mixed with (nickel carbonyl + oxygen). It can also react with oxidizers. Strong acids and alkalis should be avoided. (NTP, 1992).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to ... oxidizers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Addition of nickel carbonyl to an n-butane-oxygen mixture causes an explosion at 20-40 °C.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers, (e.g., nitrates and perchlorates), chlorine fluorine (nickel carbonyl + oxygen).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN numbers: UN 1011, UN 1049, UN 1957, UN 1966

Shipping name

• UN 1011; Butane
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 2.1; Butane
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Butane see also Petroleum gases, liquefied
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1011
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Div 2.1 Flammable gas (49 eCFR § 173.115)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Gas
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 2.1
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1011 115
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• 1075 115
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Residues of butane are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: Propellant.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 7843 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.