Editing Isobutane (section)

==Uses==
Isobutane is the principal feedstock in [[alkylation unit]]s of refineries. Using isobutane, gasoline-grade "blendstocks" are generated with high branching for good combustion characteristics. Typical products created with isobutane are [[2,4-Dimethylpentane|2,4-dimethylpentane]] and especially [[2,2,4-Trimethylpentane|2,2,4-trimethylpentane]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Alkylation |author=Bipin V. Vora |author2=Joseph A. Kocal |author3=Paul T. Barger |author4=Robert J. Schmidt |author5=James A. Johnson |year=2003 |encyclopedia=Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology |doi=10.1002/0471238961.0112112508011313.a01.pub2 |isbn=0471238961}}</ref>
[[File:2,4-Me2pentaneRoute.png|class=skin-invert-image|center|thumb|288 px|Typical acid-catalyzed route to [[2,4-Dimethylpentane|2,4-dimethylpentane]].]]

===Solvent===
In the Chevron Phillips slurry process for making [[high-density polyethylene]], isobutane is used as a diluent. As the slurried polyethylene is removed, isobutane is "flashed" off, and condensed, and recycled back into the loop reactor for this purpose.<ref>{{Ullmann |title= Polyethylene |author= Kenneth S. Whiteley |doi= 10.1002/14356007.a21_487.pub2}}</ref>

===Precursor to ''tert''-butyl hydroperoxide===
Isobutane is oxidized to [[tert-Butyl hydroperoxide|''tert''-butyl hydroperoxide]], which is subsequently reacted with [[propylene]] to yield [[propylene oxide]]. The [[tert-butanol]] that results as a by-product is typically used to make gasoline additives such as [[methyl tert-butyl ether]] (MTBE).

===Miscellaneous uses===
Isobutane is also used as a propellant for [[aerosol spray#Aerosol propellants|aerosol spray cans]].

Isobutane is used as part of blended fuels, especially common in fuel canisters used for [[camping]].<ref name="camp fuel">{{cite web |url=https://backpackinglight.com/canister_stove_faq/ |title=Frequently Asked Questions About Lightweight Canister Stoves and Fuels |first=Will |last=Rietveld |publisher=Backpacking Light (subscription required)|date=2005-02-08 |access-date=2022-06-03 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>