R290 is refrigerant-grade propane (C₃H₈) - a natural hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerant that has become a leading alternative to high-global-warming-potential (GWP) synthetic refrigerants. With an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0 and a GWP of just 3, plus strong thermodynamic performance, R290 is widely adopted in domestic and commercial refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps as the world phases down HFCs under the Kigali Amendment and regional F-gas regulations. Its one defining constraint is flammability: R290 carries the ASHRAE safety classification A3 (non-toxic but highly flammable), so it is used only in equipment specifically designed for flammable refrigerants with controlled charge sizes.
This guide covers what R290 is, its physical and environmental properties, where it is used, why it is energy efficient, the 2025 market landscape, and the safety practices required for handling a flammable refrigerant.
R290 Refrigerant at a Glance
| Attribute | Typical specification |
|---|---|
| Refrigerant name | R290 (propane, hydrocarbon / natural refrigerant) |
| Chemical formula | C₃H₈ (CH₃CH₂CH₃) |
| CAS number | 74-98-6 |
| UN number | 1978 (flammable liquefied gas) |
| ASHRAE safety class | A3 (non-toxic, highly flammable) |
| Molecular weight | 44.1 g/mol |
| Boiling point | -42.1 °C |
| Critical temperature / pressure | 96.7 °C / 4.25 MPa |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP (100-yr, IPCC AR5) | 3 |
| Refrigerant purity (typical) | ≥ 99.5% (common grades 99.5%-99.9%+) |
| Flammable limits in air | ~2.1% to 9.5% by volume |
| Common packaging | Disposable / refillable steel cylinders, ISO tanks, tank cars |
What Is R290 Refrigerant?
R290 is simply propane used to a refrigerant specification. As a hydrocarbon, it is a naturally occurring substance (not a synthetic fluorocarbon), which is why it is classed as a natural refrigerant. Its molecular simplicity gives it outstanding heat-transfer characteristics, while its negligible GWP and zero ODP make it one of the most environmentally benign refrigerants available.
Because pure propane is flammable, R290 is not a drop-in retrofit. It is specified for new equipment engineered around flammable-refrigerant safety: sealed systems, limited charge, ignition-source control, ventilation and leak detection. In blends it may also appear as a component of low-GWP mixed refrigerants.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value / characteristic |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₃H₈ |
| Molecular weight | 44.1 g/mol |
| Boiling point (at 1 atm) | -42.1 °C |
| Critical temperature | 96.7 °C |
| Critical pressure | 4.25 MPa |
| Relative vapour density (air = 1) | ~1.56 (heavier than air) |
| Liquid density (20 °C) | ~0.5 g/cm³ |
| Flammable range | 2.1% – 9.5% vol. in air |
| Autoignition temperature | ~450-470 °C |
| ODP / GWP | 0 / 3 (AR5, 100-yr) |
| Appearance / odor | Colorless, essentially odorless (refrigerant grade is un-odorized) |
Applications of R290
1. Domestic & commercial refrigeration
R290 is common in household refrigerators and freezers, supermarket display coolers, drink machines and stand-alone commercial units – segments where charge limits keep flammable risk manageable while delivering high efficiency.
2. Air conditioning (residential / commercial / industrial)
R290 is used in residential and commercial AC systems, including central air conditioning and heat-pump air conditioners, where its thermodynamics support smaller, more efficient designs.
3. Heat pumps
Space-heating heat pumps and heat-pump water heaters increasingly use R290, benefiting from its high COP and low charge requirements.
4. Transport & cold-chain refrigeration
Reefer trucks, refrigerated transport and cold-chain logistics adopt R290 for efficient, low-environmental-impact mobile cooling.
5. Replacement / blend role
R290 serves as an alternative to R22, R502, R134a, R404A and R410A in equipment designed for it, and as a component in some low-GWP mixed refrigerants.
Why R290 Is Energy Efficient
- Higher heat capacity: roughly 90% greater than R134a and about 140% greater than R404A, with lower viscosity – so it moves heat faster.
- Lower charge: required refrigerant mass is often only 40-55% of R22 or R410A for the same duty, enabling smaller heat exchangers and piping.
- Energy savings: documented system savings of about 15-35% versus comparable HFC equipment, depending on design and operating conditions.
- Good COP: coefficient of performance is comparable to or better than R22/R134a, with strong performance even in hot climates.
Market Overview (2025)
R290 sits within the fast-growing natural refrigerant segment, driven by HFC phase-down regulation (EU F-Gas Regulation, Kigali Amendment, EPA SNAP) and demand for energy-efficient cooling. Independent estimates differ in scope, but they bracket the market as:
| Metric | Estimate range (third-party research) |
|---|---|
| 2025 market size | ~ USD 0.6 – 0.85 billion |
| Early-2030s forecast | ~ USD 1.15 – 2.07 billion |
| CAGR | ~ 8% – 13% |
| Largest region | Asia Pacific (~42-43% share) |
| Leading applications | Commercial refrigeration, residential AC, heat pumps |
Regional policy is the main driver: the EU’s F-gas phase-down (about 79% HFC reduction by 2025, full phase-out targeted for 2030) and the Kigali Amendment (≈85% HFC cut by 2036) push manufacturers toward low-GWP options like R290. In major producing countries, R290 output is largely export-oriented (notably to Europe and Southeast Asia), while domestic household-AC adoption remains limited by charge-size safety standards.
Packaging & Custom Supply
Refrigerant R290 is supplied in approved steel cylinders and bulk containers. Typical options include disposable cylinders (e.g. ~5-9.5 kg / 13.4-22.3 L), refillable cylinders (e.g. 50 kg / 118 L up to ~328 kg / 800 L), ISO tanks and tank cars for large users. Because R290 is flammable (UN 1978, Class 2.1), cylinders must meet pressure-vessel and dangerous-goods standards, and shipments follow hazardous-materials transport rules. Reputable suppliers provide refrigerant-grade analysis (purity, moisture, sulfur, non-condensables) and safety documentation.
Safety & Handling (A3 Flammable)
The defining safety property of R290 is flammability. Key handling principles:
- Classification: ASHRAE A3 (non-toxic, highly flammable); UN 1978 flammable liquefied gas (Class 2.1).
- Fire risk: flammable range ~2.1-9.5% in air; autoignition near 450-470 °C. Eliminate ignition sources (sparks, open flame, hot surfaces) in handling areas.
- Charge limits: used only in equipment designed for flammable refrigerants, with capped charge sizes (e.g. around 150 g in many domestic/commercial applications per regional standards).
- Ventilation & detection: well-ventilated storage/handling, gas-leak monitoring, and separation of electrical controls from the refrigerant circuit where required.
- Qualified personnel: charging, recovery and servicing must be done by trained technicians using appropriate procedures and tools – R290 is not a retrofit into existing non-flammable systems.
- Storage & transport: keep away from heat, sunlight and ignition; follow dangerous-goods and ADR/equivalent transport rules; cylinders upright and secured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is R290 refrigerant?
R290 is refrigerant-grade propane (C₃H₈), a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant with ODP 0 and GWP 3, used as a low-environmental-impact alternative to higher-GWP synthetic refrigerants such as R134a, R404A and R410A.
Is R290 (propane) bad for the environment?
No. It has ODP = 0 and GWP = 3 (IPCC AR5, 100-year) – far lower than most HFCs – and is a natural, non-synthetic refrigerant central to the phase-down of high-GWP gases.
Why is R290 considered dangerous or flammable?
R290 is ASHRAE class A3: non-toxic but highly flammable, with a 2.1-9.5% flammable range in air and autoignition near 450-470 °C. It is therefore limited to specially designed equipment with controlled charges, ventilation and trained handling.
What is R290 used for?
Domestic/commercial refrigeration, residential/commercial/industrial air conditioning, heat pumps, transport and cold-chain refrigeration, and as an alternative or blend component replacing older high-GWP refrigerants in new equipment.
How energy efficient is R290 compared with R134a or R410A?
R290′s heat capacity is ~90% greater than R134a and ~140% greater than R404A, with lower viscosity; systems can save 15-35% energy and need only 40-55% of the R22/R410A charge mass.
How large is the R290 refrigerant market?
Estimates range from about USD 0.6-0.85 billion in 2025 to USD 1.15-2.07 billion by the early 2030s (CAGR roughly 8-13%); Asia Pacific leads with ~42-43% share, driven by HFC phase-down and natural-refrigerant adoption.
References & Further Reading
- A-Gas – R290 (Propane) Technical Data Sheet: properties, A3 classification, GWP 3, ODP 0, UN 1978.
- r290propane.com – What is R290: refrigerant-grade propane specifications, UL-approved, purity ≥ 99.5%.
- Industry refrigerant data sheets (hkfreon, Juhua, fluorined-chemicals) – CAS 74-98-6, A3, boiling -42.1 °C, GWP 3, ODP 0.
- HVACR technical guides (China) – R290 pressure/performance, flammable limits 2.1-9.5%, charge limits, A3 class.
- Market research (Marketintelo; PMarketResearch) – R290 refrigerant market size, regional shares, CAGR estimates (2025-2030s).
- Policy context – EU F-Gas Regulation phase-down; Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol; US EPA SNAP.
Need refrigerant-grade R290 (propane) for your equipment?
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Post time: Jul-27-2026