Substance profile
Propane
Propane is a colorless gas [Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas] and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Propane is
Propane is a colorless gas [Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas] and is odorless. It boils at -42.1 °C, melts at -188 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 4th degree.
Other names for Propane
- LPG
- C3H8
- Bottled Gas
- Dimethyl Methane
- Dimethylmethane
- Hc 290
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas
- N-Propane
- Propyl Hydride
- R 290
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H220 | Extremely flammable gas. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Propane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | -42.1 °C (-43.8 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| -42.22 °C (-44 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -42.11 °C (-43.8 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -187.6 °C (-305.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| -187.78 °C (-306 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -187.72 °C (-305.9 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.5 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.493 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in acetone; soluble in ethanol; very soluble in ethyl ether, benzene, chloroform | HSDB | |
| 0.01% | NIOSH | ||
| In water, 62.4 ppm at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 9823 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 6384 mmHg | at 21.11 °C | NIOSH | |
| 7150 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -104.44 °C (-156 °F) | HSDB | |
| -104 °C (-155.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 450 °C (842 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.1 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.37 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 9.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 1.5 (air = 1) | CAMEO | |
| 1.6 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| 1.55 (air = 1) | OSHA | ||
| Odor threshold | 5,000-20,000 PPM | HSDB | |
| WATER: 1.0 MG/L; AIR: 16,000 UL/L; ODOR SAFETY CLASS C; C= LESS THAN 50% OF DISTRACTED PERSONS PERCEIVE WARNING OF TLV. | HSDB | ||
| Recognition threshold values: 36,000 mg/cu m; 22,000 mg/cu m; odor index at 20 °C= 425 | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 96.81 °C (206.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Non-corrosive | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Propane
Storage conditions
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/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
... Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. Explosive reaction with chlorine dioxide.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
PROPANE is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Propane in the storage compatibility matrix →
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