SHEET /vs/methane-vs-propane · COMPARISON
Methane vs Propane: what is the difference?
How they differ
Both are alkanes burned as fuel and only one of them can be practically bottled. Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, CH4, and boils at about minus 162 degrees Celsius, so keeping it liquid needs cryogenic equipment and mains gas is delivered as a gas through pipes instead. Propane liquefies under modest pressure at ordinary temperatures, which is why a barbecue bottle can hold days of fuel in a few kilograms. Propane also carries more energy per unit volume, so a burner designed for one will not run correctly on the other without a jet change. Methane is much the lighter at 16.04 against 44.1 and rises when it leaks; propane is heavier than air and pools, which is a real difference in how a leak behaves.
Side by side
| Methane | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | CH4 | C3H8 |
| Molecular weight | 16.04 g/mol | 44.1 g/mol |
| Family | Alkanes | Alkanes |
| Everyday group | Everyday chemistry | Everyday chemistry |
| GHS signal wordThe supplier-filed hazard label, not a statement about ordinary use. | Danger | Danger |
| CAS number | 74-82-8 | 74-98-6 |
| PubChem CID | 297 | 6334 |
Common questions
- What is the difference between Methane and Propane?
- Both are alkanes burned as fuel and only one of them can be practically bottled. Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, CH4, and boils at about minus 162 degrees Celsius, so keeping it liquid needs cryogenic equipment and mains gas is delivered as a gas through pipes instead. Propane liquefies under modest pressure at ordinary temperatures, which is why a barbecue bottle can hold days of fuel in a few kilograms.
- Is Methane bigger than Propane?
- Propane is the heavier molecule, 44.1 g/mol against 16.04 g/mol for Methane. Methane is CH4 and Propane is C3H8.