Isobutane is called R600A because it is a refrigerant with the molecular formula C4H10 or HC(CH3)3. The R stands for refrigerant, and the 600 indicates the molecular weight of the compound divided by 100. The A means that it is an isomer of butane, which has the same chemical composition but a different structure. ¹²
Isobutane is used as a refrigerant in home and commercial appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, vending machines, and plug-ins. It is also used as a feedstock in the petrochemical industry, for example in the synthesis of isooctane. ¹²⁴
Isobutane is a natural refrigerant that has negligible ozone depletion potential and very low global warming potential. It is also non-toxic and has good thermodynamic properties. However, it is highly flammable and requires special safety precautions when handling and storing. ²³⁴.
Source:
(1) Isobutane – Wikipedia.
(2) R-600a Isobutane Refrigerant Fact & Info Sheet.
(3) Uses of Isobutane – R600a
(4) Refrigerant r600a (isobutane) properties, pressure.
(5) en.wikipedia.org.
