The Chemistry of C4H10: Understanding the Structure and Properties of Butane

C4H10

C4H10 is the chemical formula for butane

C4H10 is the chemical formula for butane. Butane is an organic compound known as an alkane. It consists of four carbon atoms (C4) and ten hydrogen atoms (H10). The carbon atoms are bonded together in a chain, and each carbon atom is bonded to four hydrogen atoms.

Butane is a flammable gas at room temperature and is commonly used as a fuel for lighters, camping stoves, and portable heaters. Its chemical structure plays a crucial role in its physical and chemical properties.

The four carbon atoms in butane form a straight chain, and each carbon atom is bonded to two adjacent carbon atoms with single bonds. This type of bonding is known as a sigma bond, which is formed by the overlap of atomic orbitals. The remaining two valence electrons on each carbon atom interact with the valence electrons of the hydrogen atoms to form sigma bonds, resulting in a total of four sigma bonds around each carbon atom.

Each carbon atom in butane also has two additional non-bonding electrons, which are known as lone pairs. These lone pairs are not involved in bonding but affect the shape and reactivity of the molecule. Due to the tetrahedral arrangement of the four sigma bonds and the two lone pairs, the carbon atoms in butane are sp3 hybridized.

The presence of multiple carbon atoms in the molecule allows butane to undergo various chemical reactions. For example, it can undergo combustion, wherein it reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. The balanced equation for the combustion of butane is:

2 C4H10 + 13 O2 → 8 CO2 + 10 H2O

Butane can also undergo substitution reactions, where one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by other atoms or groups. These substitutions can lead to the formation of different compounds with altered properties and reactivity.

In summary, C4H10 represents the chemical formula for butane, an alkane consisting of four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. Its straight chain structure and sp3 hybridization of carbon atoms contribute to its physical and chemical properties. Understanding the chemical structure of butane allows scientists and engineers to utilize it as a fuel source and study its reactivity in various chemical reactions.

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