C4H8 is the chemical formula for butene, a group of four isomeric olefinic hydrocarbons.
Understanding Butene (C4H8)
Butene refers to a family of four compounds that share the same chemical formula (C4H8) but differ in their molecular structure. These are isomers. According to the reference, all four butenes are gases at room temperature and pressure. These isomers include:
- 1-butene
- cis-2-butene
- trans-2-butene
- isobutylene (also known as 2-methylpropene)
Here's a table summarizing the different isomers of butene:
| Isomer | Structure | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Butene | CH2=CH-CH2-CH3 | Gas at room temperature; reactive. |
| cis-2-Butene | CH3-CH=CH-CH3 (cis configuration) | Gas at room temperature; geometric isomer of trans-2-Butene. |
| trans-2-Butene | CH3-CH=CH-CH3 (trans configuration) | Gas at room temperature; geometric isomer of cis-2-Butene. |
| Isobutylene | (CH3)2C=CH2 | Gas at room temperature; branched structure. |
These compounds find use in various industrial processes, mainly in the production of polymers and other chemical products.
