Total electron scattering cross sections of ethane, propane, n-butane, 1,3-butadiene and butylene in the energy range 0.3 to 4.0 keV.

The total electron scattering cross sections of Ethane, Propane, n-Butane, 1,3-Butadiene and Butylene were measured in the energy range 0.3 to 4.0 keV using linear transmission technique. The measured experimental cross sections were compared to the cross sections obtained by several experimental and theoretical groups. A simple empirical formula was developed by analyzing experimental cross sections to predict the cross sections of alkanes. This formula contains the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms in the molecule as well as the energy of electrons. Formula reproduces the total electron scattering cross sections in the range of 0.3 to 4.0 keV. The cross sections obtained from the empirical formula are compared to the present experimental cross sections, other experimental cross sections and theoretical cross sections available in the literature.