Cyclobutane is a cyclic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C₄H₈. It consists of four carbon atoms arranged in a square shape, with each carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms. This structure gives cyclobutane unique properties, including a higher ring strain compared to larger cycloalkanes.
Due to its ring structure, cyclobutane is less stable than its linear counterparts. It is a colorless gas at room temperature and is primarily used in organic synthesis and as a building block for more complex molecules. Cyclobutane can also be found in some natural products and is studied for its potential applications in pharmaceuticals.