What is the molecular formula for propane?

Propane is an alkane with a three-carbon chain, and its molecular formula is determined by the general formula for alkanes, which is CnH(2n+2). In the case of propane, n equals 3 because it has three carbon atoms. Plugging 3 into the formula gives you C3H(2(3)+2), which simplifies to C3H8. This means propane consists of three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms.

This molecular formula provides a concise way to represent the structure of propane, which is commonly used in heating and cooking applications. Understanding this formula is fundamental for recognizing propane's properties and its behavior as a fuel source.