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Ethane - Definition, Properties, Preparation, Uses with FAQs

Ethane - Definition, Properties, Preparation, Uses with FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:50 PM IST

In this article, we will include how C2H6 forms ethane, ethane properties, how ethane covalent bond is formed, ethane uses, mass of ethane, what is the molecular structure of ethane, what is C2H6 ethane properties, what is the chemical formula of ethane, ethane boiling point, IUPAC naming of ethane, what is the electronic structure of ethane, what is the general formula of ethane, what is ethane molar mass, what is ethane molecular weight.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is Ethane?
  2. What is the Formula of Ethane?
  3. Properties of Ethane
  4. Bonding in Ethane
  5. Preparation of Ethane
  6. Uses of Ethane are:

What is Ethane?

When we talk about the organic compounds we come to know that on the basis of the types of bonds present in the carbon compounds we decide what their naming should be. So the simplest of all is single bonds present between the carbon atoms present in a compound. Here we are talking about ethane so we must know that as the name suggests eth in the beginning so we must know that it contains two carbon atoms bonded to each other by a single bond. 1639543064270 is called ethane.

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What is the Formula of Ethane?

The ethane formula is 1639543063887.

When we talk about the actual structure of the ethane, it is already known that the organic groups ending with the “ane” are supposed to contain the single bond. They are considered to be the simplest of all others and so is their naming. As the chemical formula suggests, in ethane 2 carbon atoms are present and 6 hydrogen atoms are present.

Ethane structure or 1639543064539 structure of C2H6 structure:

1639543064360 chemical name is ethane..

Ethane structure

Properties of Ethane

We will discuss the properties of ethane here.

As it is known that there are two types of properties for any compound and they are physical properties and chemical properties. Physical properties include ethane colour, ethane boiling point, ethane molar mass, ethane molecular weight, ethane vapour pressure. So ethane is a colourless gas and also odourless gas. Talking about the molar mass of ethane it is 30.070g/mol. Then, the density of ethane is 1.3562kg/m3 when the gas is at 0 degree celsius. Further when the liquid is at -88.5degree celsius then density has to be 544.0kg/m3. The melting point of ethane is -182.8 degrees Celsius, -296.9 degrees Fahrenheit and 90.4 kelvin, the boiling point of ethane is -88.5 degrees Celsius, -127 degrees Fahrenheit, and 184.6 kelvin and the vapour pressure of ethane is 3.8453MPa.

Bonding in Ethane

Before heading towards the chemical properties we will first discuss the bonding or more precisely the type of bonding in the ethane. Basically, the bonding in the compound is according to the valence orbital theory. In ethane, as there are two carbons and both the carbons are bonded with tetrahedral geometry or have four bonds, therefore, it shows covalent bonding in it and that too it has seven covalent bonds – carbon has three each with the hydrogen atom and one with each other. As here we are talking about the geometry of the molecule also so it can be best determined by the electronic configuration of the ethane molecule which can be further explained below. This topic can be asked, “ explain the type of bonding in ethane”.

On the basis of the electronic configuration of carbon, there are four valence electrons in the outermost shell and there is one valence electron in the outermost shell of hydrogen so the three valence electrons of carbon get shared with the three hydrogen atoms and one with the other carbon atom.

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Preparation of Ethane

Ethane can be easily prepared by methyl iodide.

1639543064604

When methyl iodide is reacted with the sodium in the presence of dry ether we get ethane and sodium iodide as the by-product. This reaction is known as the wurtz reaction.

Then we will discuss the preparation of ethane from sodium propionate.

1639543064119

When sodium propanoate reacts with soda lime ethane is obtained. Here we are talking about the soda-lime so we must know that soda lime is a mixture of NaOH and CaO.

Then comes how methyl bromide leads to the preparation of the ethane

It is the same reaction as done with the methyl iodide because the halogen group is present here which will further lead to the formation of ethane by the Wurtz reaction.

As we have discussed the properties of ethane so we must know its uses also.

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Uses of Ethane are:

It is used for the production of ethene by steam cracking.

It can also be used as a refrigerant in cryogenic refrigerant systems.

Also, ethane is used primarily as a raw material for the production of ethylene for further reduction of plastics, detergent making, and also fruit ripening.

It is used by the scientists also in liquid form. It is used in liquid form because it vitrifies the water rich materials. It can be liquefied and then used as a fuel for automobiles.

It can also be used for the production of acetic acid, alcohol, and other similar organic compounds.

We must note here that when it is used in the absence of oxygen then it can be poisonous.

It is also used to form ethyl chloride which is used to make tetraethyl lead.

So , these are some of the basic or we can say common uses of ethane.

conclusion: as we have discussed so much about ethane then we should know its common name which is dimethyl as it has two methyl groups present.

Also in everyday life we must have listened to the ethane gas then what is it?

It is the ethane itself as we have already discussed that ethane is a colourless, odourless, and compressible gas.

We have discussed each and every point about ethane in detail.

Also check-

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if there are ?

As there are three carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms then there must be a double bond between any two carbon atoms so therefore it is called propene.

2. What if three moles of ethane are present?

If three moles of ethane are present then what we need to do is that we will have 6 carbon atoms and 18 hydrogen atoms and then accordingly each figure will get altered.

3. Why is ethane considered an alkane?
Ethane is considered an alkane because it contains only single bonds between carbon atoms and has the general formula CnH2n+2 (where n=2 for ethane). Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they have the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible for their carbon skeleton.
4. How does the structure of ethane affect its reactivity?
The structure of ethane, with its single carbon-carbon bond and six carbon-hydrogen bonds, makes it relatively unreactive compared to unsaturated hydrocarbons. This is because single bonds are stronger and more stable than double or triple bonds. However, ethane can still undergo combustion and substitution reactions under certain conditions.
5. What is the hybridization of carbon atoms in ethane?
In ethane, both carbon atoms are sp3 hybridized. This means that each carbon atom has four equivalent hybrid orbitals arranged in a tetrahedral geometry, with bond angles of approximately 109.5°. This hybridization allows each carbon to form single bonds with three hydrogen atoms and one other carbon atom.
6. What is the shape of an ethane molecule?
The ethane molecule has a staggered conformation in its most stable form. This means that when viewed along the carbon-carbon bond axis, the hydrogen atoms on one carbon are rotated 60° relative to the hydrogen atoms on the other carbon. This arrangement minimizes electron repulsion and results in the lowest energy conformation.
7. How does the reactivity of ethane compare to that of alkenes?
Ethane is generally less reactive than alkenes (hydrocarbons with carbon-carbon double bonds). This is because the single bonds in ethane are stronger and more stable than the double bonds in alkenes. Alkenes can easily undergo addition reactions, while ethane primarily undergoes substitution reactions under more extreme conditions.
8. How is ethane commercially produced?
Ethane is primarily produced through the processing of natural gas. It is separated from other components of natural gas using a process called fractional distillation. Additionally, ethane can be produced as a byproduct of petroleum refining and through the steam cracking of heavier hydrocarbons.
9. What is the primary source of ethane in nature?
The primary source of ethane in nature is natural gas. Ethane is the second most abundant component in natural gas after methane. It is also found in smaller quantities in petroleum deposits and can be produced during the decomposition of organic matter.
10. What is the relationship between ethane and ethanol?
Ethane (C2H6) and ethanol (C2H5OH) are related but distinct compounds. Ethane is a hydrocarbon with only carbon and hydrogen atoms, while ethanol is an alcohol that contains an additional oxygen atom. Ethanol can be produced from ethane through a series of chemical reactions, including hydration of ethylene (which is derived from ethane).
11. What is the role of catalysts in ethane reactions?
Catalysts play a crucial role in many ethane reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. For example, in the dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene, chromium oxide catalysts are often used. Catalysts can also influence the selectivity of reactions, promoting the formation of desired products while minimizing unwanted side reactions.
12. What is the relationship between ethane and ethylene in industrial processes?
Ethane and ethylene are closely related in industrial processes. Ethane is the primary feedstock for the production of ethylene through steam cracking. This process is one of the most important in the petrochemical industry, as ethylene is a key building block for many other chemicals and plastics. The conversion of ethane to ethylene involves breaking a C-H bond and forming a C=C double bond.
13. How does the boiling point of ethane compare to that of methane, and why?
Ethane has a higher boiling point (-88.5°C) than methane (-161.5°C). This is because ethane has a larger molecular size and greater van der Waals forces between its molecules. These stronger intermolecular forces require more energy to overcome, resulting in a higher boiling point.
14. How does ethane behave under standard temperature and pressure?
Under standard temperature (0°C or 273.15 K) and pressure (1 atm or 101.325 kPa), ethane exists as a colorless, odorless gas. It is slightly soluble in water and less dense than air. These properties are due to its small molecular size and weak intermolecular forces.
15. How does temperature affect the physical state of ethane?
Temperature significantly affects the physical state of ethane. At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, ethane is a gas. It liquefies at approximately -88.5°C under atmospheric pressure. As temperature decreases, the kinetic energy of ethane molecules decreases, allowing intermolecular forces to dominate and causing the transition from gas to liquid and eventually to solid state at even lower temperatures.
16. How does the presence of ethane affect the properties of natural gas?
The presence of ethane in natural gas affects its energy content and burning characteristics. Natural gas with a higher ethane content has a higher heating value (more energy released when burned) compared to pure methane. However, it may require different combustion conditions and equipment adjustments in appliances designed for methane-rich natural gas.
17. What is the importance of ethane in the study of organic chemistry?
Ethane is important in the study of organic chemistry as it serves as a simple model for understanding carbon-carbon single bonds, sp3 hybridization, and the tetrahedral arrangement of atoms. It's often used as an introductory example when teaching about alkanes, molecular geometry, and basic organic reactions like halogenation.
18. What is the significance of ethane in the petrochemical industry?
Ethane is a crucial feedstock in the petrochemical industry. Its primary use is in the production of ethylene through a process called steam cracking. Ethylene is one of the most important building blocks for various plastics, chemicals, and other industrial products.
19. What is meant by the term "cracking" in relation to ethane?
Cracking refers to the process of breaking down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones. In the case of ethane, steam cracking is used to produce ethylene. This process involves heating ethane to very high temperatures (around 850°C) in the presence of steam, causing the carbon-carbon bond to break and form ethylene (C2H4) and hydrogen.
20. How does the combustion of ethane differ from that of more complex hydrocarbons?
The combustion of ethane is generally cleaner and more complete than that of more complex hydrocarbons. This is because ethane has a simpler molecular structure and a higher hydrogen-to-carbon ratio. When burned completely, ethane produces only carbon dioxide and water, with less tendency to form soot or other particulate matter compared to larger hydrocarbons.
21. How does ethane contribute to global warming?
While ethane itself is not a significant greenhouse gas, it can indirectly contribute to global warming. When released into the atmosphere, ethane can react with other compounds to form ground-level ozone, which is a greenhouse gas. Additionally, the combustion of ethane produces carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.
22. What is the role of ethane in the formation of photochemical smog?
Ethane can contribute to the formation of photochemical smog, although it is less reactive than other hydrocarbons in this process. When ethane is released into the atmosphere, it can react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone and other secondary pollutants that constitute photochemical smog.
23. What is ethane and how is it different from other hydrocarbons?
Ethane is a simple hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H6. It consists of two carbon atoms bonded together, with each carbon atom also bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Ethane differs from other hydrocarbons in its molecular structure and properties. For example, it has a higher boiling point than methane (the simplest hydrocarbon) but a lower boiling point than propane (the next larger hydrocarbon).
24. What is meant by the term "ethane series" in organic chemistry?
The "ethane series" refers to the homologous series of alkanes, starting with ethane as the simplest member with two carbon atoms. Each subsequent member of the series has one additional carbon atom and two additional hydrogen atoms, following the general formula CnH2n+2. This series includes propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), and so on. Understanding this series helps in predicting trends in physical and chemical properties of alkanes.
25. How does the polarity of ethane compare to that of water?
Ethane is a non-polar molecule, while water is polar. This difference arises from their molecular structures. In ethane, the electronegativity difference between carbon and hydrogen is small, and the symmetrical arrangement of atoms results in a uniform electron distribution. Water, on the other hand, has a bent structure and a significant electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen, leading to its polar nature.
26. How does ethane contribute to the carbon cycle?
Ethane plays a role in the carbon cycle primarily through its presence in natural gas and its eventual combustion or decomposition. When ethane is burned, it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In the atmosphere, ethane can also react to form other compounds that participate in various atmospheric processes. However, its overall contribution to the carbon cycle is less significant than that of methane or carbon dioxide.
27. What is the role of ethane in the formation of other hydrocarbons in nature?
In nature, ethane can serve as a precursor for the formation of larger hydrocarbons through various geological and chemical processes. Under high pressure and temperature conditions in the Earth's crust, ethane can undergo polymerization and other reactions to form longer-chain hydrocarbons. Additionally, in the atmosphere, ethane can participate in photochemical reactions that lead to the formation of more complex organic compounds.
28. How does the concept of isomerism apply to ethane?
Ethane does not exhibit structural isomerism because there is only one way to arrange two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms to form a stable molecule with the formula C2H6. However, ethane does exhibit conformational isomerism, with the staggered conformation being more stable than the eclipsed conformation due to reduced steric hindrance.
29. How does the bond angle in ethane compare to that in water, and why?
The bond angle in ethane (between H-C-H) is approximately 109.5°, which is characteristic of tetrahedral geometry resulting from sp3 hybridization. In contrast, the H-O-H bond angle in water is about 104.5°. The difference is due to the presence of lone pairs on the oxygen atom in water, which exert greater repulsion and slightly compress the bond angle. Ethane's symmetrical structure with no lone pairs results in the ideal tetrahedral angle.
30. What is the significance of the carbon-carbon bond length in ethane?
The carbon-carbon bond length in ethane is approximately 1.54 Å (angstroms), which is typical for a single bond between two sp3 hybridized carbon atoms. This bond length is important because it influences the molecule's shape, stability, and reactivity. It's longer than the carbon-carbon double bond in ethene (about 1.33 Å) and shorter than the carbon-carbon single bond in larger alkanes.
31. What is the significance of the C-H bond strength in ethane?
The C-H bond strength in ethane is approximately 420 kJ/mol, which is relatively high. This strong bond contributes to ethane's stability and relative unreactivity. The high C-H bond strength makes it challenging to break these bonds, which is why ethane typically requires high temperatures or strong reagents to undergo many chemical reactions.
32. How does the solubility of ethane in water compare to that of larger hydrocarbons?
Ethane has a low solubility in water, but it is slightly more soluble than larger hydrocarbons like propane or butane. This is because ethane has a smaller molecular size, which allows it to fit more easily between water molecules. However, as a non-polar molecule, its solubility is still very limited compared to polar substances. The solubility of hydrocarbons in water generally decreases as their molecular size increases.
33. What is the significance of ethane's critical point?
The critical point of ethane is the temperature and pressure at which the liquid and gas phases of ethane become indistinguishable. For ethane, this occurs at approximately 32.2°C and 48.7 atm. Understanding the critical point is important for industrial processes and in the study of phase behavior. Above the critical point, ethane exists as a supercritical fluid, which has properties intermediate between those of a gas and a liquid.
34. How does the presence of ethane affect the flammability of natural gas?
The presence of ethane in natural gas increases its flammability compared to pure methane. Ethane has a lower ignition temperature and a wider flammability range than methane. This means that natural gas with a higher ethane content may ignite more easily and burn over a broader range of fuel-air mixtures. This property is important for safety considerations in the handling and use of natural gas.
35. How does the reactivity of ethane change under high-energy conditions?
Under high-energy conditions, such as high temperatures or in the presence of radiation, ethane becomes more reactive. These conditions can provide enough energy to break the C-C or C-H bonds, leading to the formation of radicals. This increased reactivity can result in various reactions, including cracking to form smaller hydrocarbons, rearrangement to form branched isomers, or combination with other molecules to form larger compounds.
36. What is the significance of ethane's dipole moment?
Ethane has a dipole moment of zero, meaning it is a non-polar molecule. This is due to its symmetrical structure, where the small electronegativity differences between carbon and hydrogen are balanced out. The lack of a dipole moment affects ethane's properties, such as its low solubility in polar solvents like water, its relatively low boiling point compared to polar molecules of similar size, and its behavior in electric fields.
37. How does the concept of hybridization explain the stability of ethane?
The concept of hybridization explains the stability of ethane through the formation of strong, directional bonds. In ethane, both carbon atoms are sp3 hybridized, resulting in four equivalent hybrid orbitals arranged tetrahedrally. This allows for the formation of strong sigma (σ) bonds – one between the two carbon atoms and three between each carbon and its hydrogen atoms. The symmetrical distribution of electron density in these bonds contributes to the overall stability of the molecule.
38. What is the relationship between ethane and biogas production?
Ethane is not typically a major component of biogas, which is primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide. However, small amounts of ethane can be present in biogas, especially if the source material contains more complex organic compounds. In some cases, the presence of ethane in biogas can slightly increase its energy content. Understanding the composition of biogas, including trace amounts of ethane, is important for optimizing its use as a renewable energy source.
39. How does the electronegativity of carbon affect the properties of ethane?
The electronegativity of carbon (2.55 on the Pauling scale) is relatively close to that of hydrogen (2.20). This small difference results in the C-H bonds in ethane being only slightly polar. The overall symmetry of the ethane molecule cancels out these small polarities, leading to a non-polar molecule. This affects properties such as ethane's low boiling point, its poor solubility in polar solvents, and its behavior in chemical reactions.
40. What is the significance of ethane's heat of combustion?
The heat of combustion of ethane is approximately -1560 kJ/mol, which is higher than that of methane (-890 kJ/mol). This high heat of combustion makes ethane an excellent fuel, releasing a significant amount of energy when burned completely. The heat of combustion is important in determining the energy content of fuels containing ethane, such as natural gas, and in calculating the efficiency of combustion processes.
41. How does the presence of ethane affect the octane rating of gasoline?
Ethane itself is not typically present in significant quantities in gasoline due to its low boiling point. However, the presence of ethane in the feedstock used to produce gasoline can indirectly affect the octane rating. Ethane can be converted to ethylene, which can then be used to produce higher-octane components like alkylates or polymers. Generally, straight-chain hydrocarbons like ethane have lower octane ratings compared to branched or cyclic hydrocarbons.
42. What role does ethane play in atmospheric chemistry?
In atmospheric chemistry, ethane plays several roles:

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Questions related to

Have a question related to ?

Question : Which of the following is odourless, tasteless, and non-toxic and is made up of 93.05% methane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, propane, and traces of ethane?

Option 1: LPG

Option 2: Chlorine

Option 3: CNG

Option 4: Gobar gas

Correct Answer: CNG


Solution : The correct answer is CNG.

The substance described as odourless, tasteless, and non-toxic, composed of 93.05% methane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, propane, and traces of ethane, is compressed natural gas (CNG). CNG is a cleaner-burning fuel commonly used as an alternative to traditional gasoline and diesel. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons extracted from natural gas and is known for its environmental benefits due to lower emissions when used as a vehicle fuel.

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Team Careers360 23 January,2024

Question : LPG is a mixture of______.

Option 1: Methane and Butane

Option 2: Butane and Propane

Option 3: Methane and Propane

Option 4: Ethane and Propane

Correct Answer: Butane and Propane


Solution : The correct option is Butane and Propane.

Propane (C3H8) and Butane (C4H10) make up the majority of the two Hydrocarbon gases that make up liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These gases are produced during the processing of either natural gas or crude oil. LPG is a gas when released from a container but is kept and transported as a liquid under pressure as used effectively, it is thought of as a cleaner-burning fuel as compared to other fossil fuels and can aid in lowering air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

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Team Careers360 22 January,2024
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