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What is the Molecular Formula of Propane?

Answer – The molecular formula of propane is C3H8.

Explanation: 

Propane is a colorless, odorless gas that is part of the alkane family of hydrocarbons. It is composed of three carbon atoms (C3) and eight hydrogen atoms (H8). Therefore, its molecular formula is C3H8.

An image of a propane molecule depicting its molecular formula and structure
A propane molecule has 3 carbon atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms.
Image credit: Aalejandro1995 / Wikimedia Commons (licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0)

As per the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry’s (IUPAC) nomenclature rules, propane is broken down into the prefix “pro” and the suffix “ane.” “Pro-” indicates that there are three carbon atoms in the molecule, and “-ane” indicates that the molecule belongs to the alkane family (saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon atoms).


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