MolDraw › 3D molecule models › Propane 3D model
Propane molecule model (C3H8)
Propane is a three-carbon alkane in which every carbon is tetrahedral (sp³). It is the familiar LPG fuel for barbecues and heating.
Drag to rotate · pinch or scroll to zoom. 3D coordinates: PubChem conformer (CID 6334).
Propane at a glance
| Formula | C3H8 |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 44.1 g/mol |
| IUPAC name | propane |
| Atoms / bonds | 11 / 10 |
| H-bond donors / acceptors | 0 / 0 |
| XLogP3 | 1.8 |
| SMILES | CCC |
| PubChem CID | 6334 |
What the 3D model of Propane shows
The model contains 11 atoms (3 heavy atoms and 8 hydrogens) joined by 10 bonds; in ball-and-stick mode every stick is one bond, and double or aromatic bonds are drawn as multiple sticks. Switch to space-filling to see the molecule as its electron cloud, scaled to van der Waals radii: this is the shape other molecules actually "feel". It has no hydrogen-bond donors or acceptors, so it interacts mainly through weak London dispersion forces, and its PubChem XLogP3 of 1.8 means it is fairly balanced between water and fat solubility. Its topological polar surface area is 0 Ų.
Shape and bond angles
| Atom(s) | Geometry / hybridisation | Angles & lengths |
|---|---|---|
| C (×3) | Tetrahedral, sp³ | C–C–C ≈ 112°, H–C–H ≈ 107–109° |
Is Propane polar?
Essentially nonpolar (dipole about 0.08 D), which is why it does not mix with water.
Elemental composition of C3H8
| Element | Atoms | Mass (g/mol) | Mass % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 3 | 36.033 | 81.71% |
| Hydrogen (H) | 8 | 8.064 | 18.29% |
Calculated from IUPAC standard atomic weights. Check any formula with the molar mass calculator.
Uses of propane
- LPG fuel for cooking, heating and vehicles
- Refrigerant (R-290)
- Feedstock for propylene
Interesting facts
- Propane boils at −42 °C, so it is stored as a liquid under modest pressure.
- Burning propane: C₃H₈ + 5O₂ → 3CO₂ + 4H₂O.
- Propane is odourless. Ethyl mercaptan is added so that leaks can be smelled.
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Open MolDraw editorFrequently asked questions
What is the shape of propane?
Each carbon is tetrahedral, so the C–C–C chain is bent (about 112°), not straight.
Is propane polar?
No. C–H and C–C bonds are nearly non-polar and the molecule is roughly symmetric.
What is the chemical formula and molar mass of propane?
Propane is C3H8 with a molar mass of 44.1 g/mol (PubChem CID 6334). It contains 11 atoms: 3 carbon, 8 hydrogen.
What is the IUPAC name of Propane?
The PubChem-computed IUPAC name is propane.
How do I make a model of Propane?
Rotate the interactive model above to see how its 11 atoms connect, then copy it with a ball-and-stick kit: use the CPK colours shown (carbon grey or black, hydrogen white, oxygen red, nitrogen blue). For a school project, foam balls and toothpicks work well.