Butane is a gaseous compound that is composed of four carbon atoms. It can either be found as the isomer n-butane or in the form of methylpropane or isobutane. This compound has no color and is highly flammable. It also liquefies easily. Butane is also classified as a natural gas and this simply means that it can be sourced through extraction of fossils. By means of liquefaction, this colorless and flammable compound can be sourced or extracted. Small quantities of butane can also be extracted from crude oil in the same way as gasoline components are sourced from it.

Natural butane is typically used as gasoline additive for additional efficiency and improvement of performance. Many gasoline products in the world today are mixed with butane for its performance-enhancing effects. This natural gas may also be mixed with other components such as propane to produce LPG or liquefied propane gas. LPG are typically stored in sturdy metallic tanks for its safe and efficient handling.  Liquefied propane gas is widely used for cooking and heating.  Grills and stoves that are used in many parts of the world are often designed to be powered by LPG tanks. Propane itself is already flammable and may be enough to be used for cooking but butane provides additional safety in terms of containment. With butane, propane can be safely and effectively stored in mostly metallic cylinders with varying sizes. Bigger tanks are preferred by restaurants and other businesses while smaller LPG tanks are used by small home owners. The same LPG tank that contains butane may also be used to power vehicles. The engines in these vehicles are specifically designed to get its source from LPG which contains butane.

Another familiar use of butane is in the form of cigarette lighters, cooking torches,  and portable stoves or ovens. Butane may also be used in the manufacture of refrigerants.  Some hair appliances such as curling irons may also be powered by cells or cartridges that contain butane.