Ball-and-stick models of the isobutane molecule

Isobutane, also known as i-butane, 2-methylpropane or methylpropane, is a chemical compound. It is an isomer of butane. Isobutane is a colourless, odourless gas. It is the simplest alkane with a tertiary carbon atom. Isobutane is obtained by isomerization of butane. Isobutane is oxidized to tert-butyl hydroperoxide, which is subsequently reacted with propylene to yield propylene oxide. The tert-butanol that results as a by-product is typically used to make gasoline additives such as methyl tert-butyl ether. Isobutane is also used as a propellant for aerosol spray cans. Isobutane is used as part of blended fuels, especially common in fuel canisters used for camping. Contributor: Junjie Chen, ORCID: 0000-0001-5055-4309, E-mail address: [e-mail], Department of Energy and Power Engineering, School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, 2000 Century Avenue, Jiaozuo, Henan, 454000, P.R. China