Butanes (inci)

n-Butane is a gaseous colorless alkane (molecular formula:C4H10), which represents the straight-chain form of the two structural isomers (CH3-CH2-CH2-CH3). Its isomer is the isobutane CH(CH3)3. Butane is hardly soluble in water, but dissolves well in ethanol and ether.

Furthermore, butane is of great importance as a fuel gas (e.g. as lighter gas), as a refrigerant, as LPG or as a bottled gas, e.g. for gas grills.

Butane is primarily used as a drug by young people. The effect can be compared with sniffing substances of a similar kind. In the case of abundant consumption (e.g. through sniffing), an oxygen deficiency can occur, as the denser butane settles in the lungs and thus the available breathing space decreases. Furthermore, nausea, vomiting and in the worst case, considerable brain damage can occur. Danger to life exists when the pressure in the brain increases. By lowering the seizure threshold, the susceptibility to seizures can be increased. Psychological dependencies are possible. Deaths from inhalation intoxication are known (Alunni V et al. 2018; Kramp KH et al. 2018)

In closed rooms the application of butane-containing aerosols can lead to a highly explosive gas-air mixture.

• Alunni V et al (2018) Death From Butane Inhalation Abuse in Teenagers: Two New Case Studies and Review of the Literature. J Forensic Sci 63:330-335.
• Kramp KH et al (2018) Cardiac arrest by inhalation of deodorant spray. BMJ Case Rep.:bcr2018224345.