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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between N-butane and Cyclobutane?

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The main difference between n-butane and cyclobutane lies in their structures and types of hydrocarbons they belong to:

  1. n-butane:
  • It is an open-chain saturated hydrocarbon containing 4 carbon atoms with the formula C4H10.
  • It is an aliphatic substance, meaning it is a non-aromatic hydrocarbon, having single covalent bonds only.
  • n-butane is produced through the refining of natural gas.
  1. cyclobutane:
  • It is a closed-chain saturated hydrocarbon containing 4 carbon atoms with the formula C4H8.
  • It is a cyclic compound, meaning it has a closed ring structure.
  • Cyclobutane is synthesized from 1,4-dihalobutane, which undergoes dehalogenation with reducing agents.

In summary, n-butane is an open-chain, aliphatic hydrocarbon, while cyclobutane is a closed-ring, cyclic hydrocarbon.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between N-butane and Cyclobutane?
  • Comparative Table: N-butane vs Cyclobutane

    • Comparative Table: N-butane vs Cyclobutane

    The main difference between N-butane and cyclobutane is that N-butane is an aliphatic substance, while cyclobutane is a cyclic compound. Here is a comparison table highlighting their differences:

    Property N-Butane Cyclobutane
    Chemical Formula C4H10 C4H8
    Type of Compound Aliphatic Cyclic
    Structural Formula
    Carbon-Carbon Bonds 3 carbon-carbon bonds 4 carbon-carbon bonds
    Boiling Point -0.5°C -

    Both N-butane and cyclobutane are organic compounds with four carbon atoms. However, their different arrangements of carbon atoms lead to distinct properties, such as boiling points.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.