Why C3 IS safe

For those “NaySayers” that can't understand why utilizing propane is safe, or how it allows for 50,000 shots on a 16oz tank, take a look at this,

The basic reaction as far as I can tell is down toward the bottom:

Here is some things that will help some understand it a little easier.  C₃H_8(g)= Gaseous Propane, O_2(g)= Air, H₂O_(g)= Gaseous Water, CO_2(g)= Gaseous Carbon Dioxide ; (NONE OF THESE COMPOUNDS ARE INHERENTLY DANGEROUS MIND YOU)

Ignition is the catalyst that initiates the break-up of the propane molecule.  This particular type of reaction is known a “Reduction-Oxidization” reaction, or for brevity many go by the term “REDOX Reaction”.  In lay-men's terms a redox reaction is a reaction in which, an atom of a particular substance becomes more negatively charged by gaining electrons from another atom that is losing the same number of electrons.  Thus one atom becomes more positively charged and one atom becomes more negatively charged in the product of the reaction.

In this case the Carbon gains 6 electrons becoming CO2.  Because of the fact that this reaction is utilizing the oxygen in the air around us to expand the propane into CO2 and water (remember the air around us is free) we are able to get exponentially more shots per tank with less stored gas.  Please keep in mind that the propane is NOT exploding, but rather burning quickly, which is evidence of the transfer of electrons and which allows the Propane to become CO2 and water through the breakup of its constituent elements.

M98Ranger wrote: 1 C3H8(g) + 5 O2(g) ----> 3 CO2(g) + 4 H2O(g) + heat So to explain this reaction formula we say: 1Propane Molecule + 5 dioxide molecules react to form 3 Carbon-dioxide molecules + 4 Water molecules + a little heat.  Hardly dangerous.

o it is all clear now

Who/what I am is not important.

Let me break it down further.  There are two categories of people on this forum:

1.  People who will not understand your post, for lack of basic chemistry knowledge.

2.  People who will understand your post, because they do have basic chemistry knowledge.

Your post is obviously useless to group 1.  It is also useless to group 2, however, because (as you point out) it really is rather simple.

So you are posting info that most people here won't understand at all, and those few that do understand it won't care, because it is rather obvious, and you aren't telling them anything they didn't already know.

I appreciate your desire to discuss chemistry due to your own interest in the subject.  But let's be honest - the only person benefiting from this thread is you.

Thanks for your "honest" OPINION.  However I don't agree that a person has to have an understanding of chemistry to understand and have an appreciation for the ingenuitive way that somebody came up with the idea to utilize the air around us to propel paintball guns.

And before you ask me why I didn't just say that in the first place, it is because if I was to put only that without any explanation people would be right in telling me that it sounds like I am filling them full of smoke.  Also, my brother has never taken physics or chemistry.  I think you and I oughta just agree to disagree and if you don't like it then don't read it.  Otherwise take it for what its worth and go on with your life.  But don't patronize me (or whatever you call that).