Colourless, easily liquefied hydrocarbon gas (C 3 H 8 or, more fully, CH 3 CH 2 CH 3 ).
Separated in large quantities from natural gas, light crude oil, and oil-refinery gases, it is available as liquefied propane or as a major constituent of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is an important raw material for the manufacture of ethylene and for the petrochemical industry. It is also used as a refrigerant, extractant, solvent, aerosol propellant, and fuel for portable cooking appliances, torches, and lighters.