Propane vs. Propene — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 24, 2023
Propane is a saturated hydrocarbon with three carbon atoms and is commonly used as fuel. Propene, also known as propylene, is an unsaturated hydrocarbon with a double bond and is used in polymer production.
Difference Between Propane and Propene
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Propane is a three-carbon alkane, which means it's a saturated hydrocarbon. As a component of natural gas, it is found in various oil and gas reservoirs. It has a molecular formula of C3H8. Because of its lack of double or triple bonds between its carbons, propane is not very reactive. Propene, on the other hand, is an alkene, which means it's an unsaturated hydrocarbon. It has a double bond between two of its carbon atoms, making its molecular formula C3H6.
In commercial and domestic contexts, propane is widely recognized for its role as a fuel. It's used in BBQ grills, portable stoves, and even in some vehicles as an alternative fuel. Propene, on the other hand, doesn't find direct use as a fuel in most household contexts. Instead, its significance lies in the industrial sector, primarily in the production of polymers like polypropylene.
When considering the physical properties of both, propane is typically found as a gas at room temperature but can be easily liquefied under pressure. This makes it convenient for storage and transport in tanks. Propene, too, is a gas at room temperature but is usually stored under pressure in the industrial setting because of its utility in chemical processes.
From a chemical reactivity perspective, propene, because of its double bond, can engage in various reactions, like polymerization and oxidation, which propane cannot. The presence of the double bond in propene makes it more reactive than propane. In the petrochemical industry, propene's reactivity is harnessed to produce a variety of chemicals and polymers.
Comparison Chart
Type of Hydrocarbon
Saturated (Alkane)
Unsaturated (Alkene)
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Molecular Formula
C3H8
C3H6
Common Uses
Fuel (e.g., grills, stoves)
Chemical industry (e.g., polymers)
Reactivity
Less reactive
More reactive due to double bond
Physical State
Gas at room temperature
Gas at room temperature
Compare with Definitions
Propane
A primary component of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Many rural homes use propane as their main heating source.
Propene
An alkene with the molecular formula C3H6.
Propene's double bond makes it suitable for many chemical reactions.
Propane
A hydrocarbon derived from natural gas processing.
Natural gas liquids contain a significant percentage of propane.
Propene
A gas with flammable properties.
Safety protocols are strict when transporting propene due to its flammability.
Propane
An alkane with the molecular formula C3H8.
When combusted, propane produces water and carbon dioxide.
Propene
An unsaturated hydrocarbon with a double bond.
Propene is one of the basic building blocks in the petrochemical industry.
Propane
A saturated hydrocarbon with three carbon atoms.
Propane tanks are often seen at BBQs.
Propene
Also known as propylene.
The chemical plant produces a significant amount of propene annually.
Propane
A flammable gas used for heating and cooking.
She refilled the propane tank for the camping stove.
Propene
Used in the production of polypropylene plastics.
Polypropylene is derived from the polymerization of propene.
Propane
Propane () is a three-carbon alkane with the molecular formula C3H8. It is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, but compressible to a transportable liquid.
Propene
Propene, also known as propylene, is an unsaturated organic compound with the chemical formula CH 3 CH = CH 2 {\displaystyle {\ce {CH3CH=CH2}}} . It has one double bond, and is the second simplest member of the alkene class of hydrocarbons.
Propane
A colorless gas, C3H8, found in natural gas and petroleum and widely used as a fuel.
Propene
See propylene.
Propane
(organic compound) An aliphatic hydrocarbon, C3H8, a constituent of natural gas.
Propene
The organic chemical compound propylene. An alkene which is a colorless gaseous (at room temperature and pressure) hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C3H6.
Propane
A heavy gaseous hydrocarbon, C3H8, of the paraffin series, occurring naturally dissolved in crude petroleum, and also made artificially; - called also propyl hydride.
Propene
Same as Propylene.
Propane
Colorless gas found in natural gas and petroleum; used as a fuel
Propene
A flammable gas obtained by cracking petroleum; used in organic synthesis
Common Curiosities
Which is used in BBQ grills, propane or propene?
Propane is commonly used in BBQ grills.
Can propane be used to make plastics?
Not directly; propene is the hydrocarbon used to produce plastics like polypropylene.
Is propene also called propylene?
Yes, propene is also commonly referred to as propylene.
Why is propene more reactive than propane?
Propene has a double bond, making it more chemically reactive than propane.
What type of hydrocarbon is propene?
Propene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon, specifically an alkene.
In which industry is propene most prominently used?
Propene is widely used in the petrochemical industry, especially for polymer production.
Is propane a clean-burning fuel?
Yes, propane combustion produces less particulate matter and pollutants compared to other fossil fuels.
Are propane and propene derived from petroleum?
Yes, both are derived from petroleum and natural gas.
Are both propane and propene gases at room temperature?
Yes, both are gases at room temperature.
How are propane and propene typically stored?
Both are usually stored under pressure in tanks, especially for transport.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
