Propane Molecule in 3D: C₃H₈ Structure and Facts
Propane is a chain of three carbon atoms with eight hydrogen atoms. It is easily turned into a liquid under pressure, which makes it handy as a portable fuel. In Molecule Studio you can spin the propane molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.
Explore in 3DPropane quick facts
| Chemical formula | C₃H₈ |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 44.1 g/mol |
| Atoms in one molecule | 11 |
| Shape | Zigzag carbon chain |
| Group | Fuels |
What is propane used for?
- Camping stoves and barbecues
- Heating homes
- Fuel for some vehicles
Interesting facts about propane
- It is stored as a liquid under pressure in gas bottles.
- It is one of the main gases in LPG.
- Propane has no smell, so a smelly chemical is added to show leaks.
- It burns to form carbon dioxide and water.
What you can do in 3D
Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.
More fuels molecules
Propane questions
What is the formula of propane?
C3H8: three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms.
What is propane used for?
Cooking, heating and barbecues, usually from gas bottles.
Does propane have a smell?
Not naturally. A strong-smelling chemical is added so leaks can be noticed.
Is propane the same as LPG?
LPG is a mix of propane and butane.
Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.