Refrigerant Knowledge Center
What Is R290 Refrigerant? Properties, Uses and Safety
R290 is refrigerant-grade propane, a natural refrigerant with very low GWP and strong thermodynamic performance in approved equipment, balanced against an A3 high-flammability classification.
What Is R290?
R290 is refrigerant-grade propane, a natural refrigerant with very low GWP and strong thermodynamic performance in approved equipment, balanced against an A3 high-flammability classification.
R290 is classified as single component in the hydrocarbon family. Its composition is 100% refrigerant-grade propane. Refrigerant choice is never based on designation alone: capacity, pressure, lubricant, controls, heat-exchanger behavior, safety standards and local rules all matter.
R290 Technical Properties
General reference values for comparison; a current product specification and applicable regulatory basis govern a transaction.
| Refrigerant designation | R290 |
|---|---|
| Chemical family | hydrocarbon |
| Composition | 100% refrigerant-grade propane |
| Blend type | single component |
| ASHRAE safety class | A3 |
| 100-year GWP | 3 (IPCC AR4 100-year) |
| Ozone depletion potential | 0 |
| Normal boiling reference | -42.1 °C |
Common R290 Applications
Typical references include self-contained commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, and selected air-conditioning equipment.
Use depends on equipment design, operating envelope and applicable local requirements.
Use depends on equipment design, operating envelope and applicable local requirements.
Use depends on equipment design, operating envelope and applicable local requirements.
Advantages and Limitations
Selection advantages
- Established refrigerant designation with published reference data.
- Application history in self-contained commercial refrigeration.
- ODP reference of 0.
Important limitations
- A3 safety controls must be applied.
- GWP and lifecycle status can affect long-term selection.
- No refrigerant should be treated as a universal drop-in.
Environmental Impact and Regulation
Permitted charge size and end uses depend on product standards and local codes; low GWP does not override flammability controls.
R290 has an ODP reference of 0 and a stated GWP of 3 using IPCC AR4 100-year. Regulations commonly distinguish between manufacturing or import, new equipment, servicing, recovered material and individual end uses.
Safety, Handling and Storage
Use only in equipment designed for R290 and follow charge limits, ventilation, leak detection, ignition control, recovery and trained-personnel rules.
The A3 classification describes toxicity and flammability groupings; it does not by itself approve a refrigerant for a particular system. Review the current safety data sheet, cylinder label, transport classification, equipment manual and local code.
R290 Alternatives and Comparisons
Candidate alternatives must be evaluated as system choices, not simple chemical substitutions.
HFC blend; A1 safety class; GWP 3922 on the stated IPCC AR4 100-year basis.
HFC; A1 safety class; GWP 1430 on the stated IPCC AR4 100-year basis.
natural refrigerant; A1 safety class; GWP 1 on the stated CO2 reference value, 100-year basis.
Review packaging, documentation and inquiry requirements for R290.
R290 Frequently Asked Questions
What is R290 made of?
100% refrigerant-grade propane; it is categorized as single component.
What is the safety class of R290?
The published classification used in this guide is A3. Equipment approval and local safety rules still apply.
What is the GWP of R290?
The reference here is 3 on the IPCC AR4 100-year basis. Other assessment bases may show a different number.
Can R290 replace another refrigerant directly?
No universal drop-in claim is made. Compatibility and conversion requirements must be confirmed for the exact equipment.
Where is R290 commonly used?
Typical applications include self-contained commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, and selected air-conditioning equipment, subject to equipment design and local approval.
References and Technical Sources
Source data is summarized for general education. Always use current official documents, standards and supplier-specific safety and technical data for engineering or compliance decisions.
Ask About R290 Refrigerant
Include your equipment, required quantity, destination and preferred package so the inquiry can be reviewed accurately.