Product Overview
Industrial isobutane gas is an isomer of butane (C₄H₁₀), characterized by a branched molecular structure with three methyl groups attached to a central carbon atom. This colorless, odorless, and flammable gas is typically stored and transported as a liquefied gas under moderate pressure. As an important hydrocarbon component, isobutane is highly valued for its use as a versatile blowing agent, refrigerant, and petrochemical feedstock. Its unique properties, including a low global warming potential (GWP) and suitable vapor pressure, make it a more environmentally friendly option in various applications. The consistent quality and reliable supply of isobutane are crucial for industries ranging from foam manufacturing to energy production.
Basic Information
| CAS No. | 75-28-5 |
| UN No. | UN1969 (Isobutane) or UN1077 (Refrigerant gas R600a) |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₁₀ (i-C₄H₁₀) |
| Hazard Classification | 2.1 (Flammable gas) |
Key Attributes & Parameters
| Purity | Available in various grades |
| Physical State | Colorless, odorless gas; compressed to a colorless liquid for storage and transport. |
| Boiling Point | -11.7 °C (10.9 °F) at atmospheric pressure. |
| Vapor Pressure (at 21°C) | Approximately 3.1 bar (45 psi) – lower than n-butane. |
| Critical Temperature | 134.7 °C |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | ~3 (over 100 years), significantly lower than many traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. |
Features & Advantages
Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant
As R600a, isobutane has an ultra-low GWP and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), making it a leading natural refrigerant for household appliances.
Efficient Foam Blowing Agent
Its optimal boiling point and vapor pressure make it highly effective for producing extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyurethane (PU) foams with fine, uniform cell structures and excellent insulation properties.
High Octane Blending Component
In its alkylated form (produced by reacting with olefins), it becomes a valuable, clean-burning, high-octane gasoline blendstock.
Petrochemical Feedstock
Serves as a crucial feed for steam crackers to produce ethylene and propylene, and for dehydrogenation units to produce high-purity isobutylene.
Functional Characteristics
Isobutane.Industrial isobutane gas functions primarily through its physical properties as a volatile liquid and its chemical reactivity. As a blowing agent, it is mixed with polymer melts; upon heating, it vaporizes, expanding to create foam cells. As a refrigerant (R600a), it operates in a vapor-compression cycle, absorbing and releasing heat during phase changes. Its branched structure gives it different physical properties (like lower boiling point) compared to n-butane, which is key to its performance. In chemical processes, it undergoes reactions like alkylation (with olefins) and dehydrogenation (to isobutylene). It is stored and transported as a liquefied gas under its own vapor pressure.
Primary Application Fields
Refrigeration
The dominant use is as the refrigerant R600a in domestic refrigerators, freezers, and some commercial cooling systems.
Foam Production
A key physical blowing agent for extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation boards and certain polyurethane (PU) foams.
Petrochemicals & Refining
Feedstock for steam crackers, dehydrogenation to isobutylene (for MTBE, butyl rubber), and alkylation to produce high-octane gasoline components.
Aerosol Propellant
Used as a propellant in personal care and technical aerosol products, often blended with other propellants.
Fuel & Energy
Component of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and a feedstock for specialty fuels.
Customer Collaboration Case
A major European manufacturer of high-efficiency domestic refrigerators aimed to transition its entire product line to refrigerants with a GWP below 10 to meet stringent environmental regulations and consumer demand. They selected R600a (isobutane) as the optimal solution but required a supplier that could guarantee ultra-high purity, consistent supply, and comprehensive safety support for their global production facilities. We partnered to become their dedicated global isobutane (R600a) supplier. We implemented a closed-loop supply chain with dedicated ISO tank containers, provided refrigerant-grade product with 99.95% purity and stringent moisture control, and delivered extensive safety training for their assembly line personnel. The reliable supply and high quality of our isobutane enabled the customer to smoothly convert their manufacturing lines, improve energy efficiency ratings of their appliances, and successfully market them under a leading eco-label. This collaboration solidified their leadership in sustainable appliance manufacturing and showcased the critical role of high-purity isobutane in the green cooling transition.
FAQ
Hot Tags: industrial isobutane gas, China industrial isobutane gas manufacturers, suppliers, factory, Ethylene Oxide Gas, Industrial Isobutane Gas, Isopentane Calibration Gas, Liquefied Propylene, Liquid Isoprene 99 50 , Pure Ethylene
