• Briefly, what do I need to know about propane in an emergency situation?
• Where do you find propane?
• What should I know about the composition and purity of propane?
• What are some synonyms for propane?
• With so many names for propane, is there a unique identifier for this chemical?

Briefly, what do I need to know about propane in an emergency situation?

Propane is a colourless gas with a faint odour at high concentrations. Fuel grades contain mercaptans which have a disagreeable odour. Propane is an EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE GAS. The gas is heavier than air and may spread long distances and distant ignition and flashback are possible. It is a COMPRESSED GAS. It is also a simple asphyxiant which means the gas may reduce oxygen available for breathing. When there is rapid evaporation of liquid from cylinder, frostbite may occur.

Where do you find propane?

Household and industrial fuel; solvent; refrigerant; aerosol propellant; production of ethylene and other petrochemicals.

What should I know about the composition and purity of propane?

Contains trace amounts of ethane, propylene, isobutane, and n-butane.

What are some synonyms for propane?

Propane is also known as dimethylmethane, liquified petroleum gas, and propyl hydride.

With so many names for propane, is there a unique identifier for this chemical?

Its CAS Registry Number is 74-98-6. This number is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) in the United States and is used as a unique identifier number world-wide.

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Document last updated on February 19, 1999

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