Propane

1Identification

Name

Propane

IUPAC name

propane

CAS number

74-98-6

EC number

200-827-9

Molecular formula

C3H8

Molecular weight

44.1 g/mol

InChIKey

ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCC

PubChem CID

6334

Synonyms

PROPANE, n-Propane, Dimethylmethane, Propyl hydride, Propyldihydride, Purifrigor p 3.5, HC 290, R 290, INS NO.944, E944, INS-944, E-944, Bottled gas, dimethyl methane

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Propane
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as a fuel, solvent, refrigerant, and propellant; [Hawley]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Energy Releasers (explosives, motive propellant) Other Monomers Processing aids not otherwise specified Fuels and fuel additives Fuel agents Fuel Abrasives Absorbent Hydraulic fluids Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Refrigerants Intermediate Processing aids, specific to petroleum production Drier Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents)
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Other Fuel agents Fuel Abrasives Fuels and fuel additives Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Filler Corrosion inhibitor Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents) Intermediate Adhesion/cohesion promoter
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

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

Description

• Propane appears as a colorless gas with a faint petroleum-like odor. It is shipped as a liquefied gas under its vapor pressure. For transportation it may be stenched. Contact with the unconfined liquid can cause frostbite by evaporative cooling. Easily ignited. The vapors are heavier than air and a flame can flash back to the source of leak very easily. The leak may be either a liquid or vapor leak. The vapors can asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Propane is a gas molecular entity and an alkane. It has a role as a food propellant.
  ChEBI
• propane has been reported in Calendula officinalis 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

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

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  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

• Vaporizing liquid may cause frostbite. Concentrations in air greater than 10% cause dizziness in a few minutes. 1% concentrations give the same effect in 10 min. High concentrations cause asphyxiation. (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

• Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode. Vapor is heavier than air and may travel a long distance to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)
  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

• Propane is a simple asphyxiant. [LaDou, p. 558] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH] Critical Effects for aliphatic hydrocarbon gases are CNS depression; cardiac sensitization; [ACGIH] Propane is in the list of Some volatile substances which may be abused by inhalation published on the web site of the U.N. International Drug Control Programme, indicating its potential to cause narcosis in workers. [Reference #1] Evaporating liquid can cause frostbite; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression and cardiac arrhythmias; [ICSC]
  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

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Propane: 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 - If frostbite has occurred, seek medical attention immediately; do NOT rub the affected areas or flush them with water. In order to prevent further tissue damage, do NOT attempt to remove frozen clothing from frostbitten areas.
  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)
• dizziness, confusion, excitation, asphyxia; liquid: frostbite
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Stop flow of gas. For small fires use dry chemicals. Cool adjacent areas with water spray.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame consider evacuation of one half mile radius.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• The practice of burning propane and kerosene to heat ... produces NOx in potentially toxic concentrations ...
  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. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. (Extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus.) ... Check oxygen content before entering area. Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1) Remove all ignition sources. 2) Ventilate area of leak. 3) Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder & the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, & repair the leak or allow the cylinder to empty.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Cool.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• COMPRESSED GASES MAY BE STORED IN THE OPEN ONLY IF THEY ARE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED FROM THE WEATHER & DIRECT SUNLIGHT. STORAGE AREAS SHOULD BE LOCATED AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM OCCUPIED PREMISES & NEIGHBORING DWELLINGS. /GASES & AIR, COMPRESSED/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Storage temp: ambient; venting: safety relief
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store cylinder outdoors without direct sunlight or heat radiation and with adequate ventilation. Provide electrical equipment with spark resistant construction.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Propane: 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
• Personnel protection: ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves and goggles.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate clothing to prevent skin freezing.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... face shield ... .
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 2100 ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus Important additional information about res…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• PROPANE is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• ... Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Explosive reaction with chlorine dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Heating barium peroxide under gaseous propane at ambient pressure caused a violent exothermic reaction which deformed the glass container.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The relationship between critical pressure and composition for self-ignition of chlorine-propane mixtures at 300 °C was studied, and the tendency is minimal for 60:40 mixtures. Combustion is explosive under some conditions.
  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

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Propane may be disposed of by burning at a safe location or in a suitable combustion chamber.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN numbers: UN 1075, UN 1978, UN 1049, UN 1957

Shipping name

• UN 1075; Propane or liquefied petroleum gas
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• UN 1978; PROPANE
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT label

• Flammable Gas
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

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

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1075 115
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• 1978 115
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Residues of propane are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a propellant 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.
  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 6334 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.