Butane

Origin

IUPAC nomenclature, from but- ("four carbon prefix") + -ane ("alkane suffix"), the former is derived from the same stem as the foul-smelling carboxylic acid liberated in rancid butter, "butyric acid", hence cognate with butter.

Full definition of butane

Noun

1. (organic compound) A hydrocarbon (either of the two isomers of C₄H₁₀ n-butane, and 2-methyl-propane) found in gaseous petroleum fractions.
2. (organic compound, uncountable) The n-butane isomer only.

Synonyms

• E943a when used as a propellant

Derived terms

• cyclobutane
• isobutane

Related terms

• alkane
• ethane
• methane
• pentane
• propane

Anagrams

• batune