Properties of Propane (C3H8)
Propane is a colorless, odorless gas that is widely used as a fuel for various applications. It is a hydrocarbon and belongs to the alkane family, with the chemical formula C3H8. Propane is typically stored and transported in a compressed or liquefied form.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of propane properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 44.097 g/mol |
| Density (0°C) | 1.967 kg/m3 |
| Dynamic Viscosity (25°C) | 8.2 µPa·s |
| Speed of Sound in Gas | 258 m/s |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | -187.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | -42.1 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (25°C) | 0.015 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 1669 J/kg·K |
| Critical Constants | Metric |
| Critical Temperature (Tc) | 96.7 °C |
| Critical Pressure (Pc) | 4.25 MPa |
| Critical Density (ρc) | 217 kg/m3 |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Relative Permittivity (εr) | 1.002032 |
| Hazardous Data | Metric |
| Autoignition Temperature | 470 °C |
| Lower Flammability Limit | 2.2% |
| Upper Flammability Limit | 9.5% |
| NFPA Rating (Health) | 2 |
| NFPA Rating (Fire) | 4 |
| NFPA Rating (Reactivity) | 0 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.