Etaanimolekyyli

Etaanimolekyyli, also known as ethane, is a simple hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H6. It is the second simplest alkane, following methane. The molecule consists of two carbon atoms, each bonded to three hydrogen atoms, and the two carbon atoms are connected by a single covalent bond. This structure gives ethane a tetrahedral geometry around each carbon atom.

Ethane is a colorless, odorless gas at standard temperature and pressure. It is highly flammable and is a component of natural gas. It can also be produced as a byproduct of petroleum refining and in various industrial processes. In its pure form, ethane is relatively unreactive, but it can undergo combustion to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Industrially, ethane is an important feedstock for the petrochemical industry. It is primarily used in the production of ethylene (ethene) through a process called steam cracking. Ethylene is a crucial building block for a wide range of plastics, solvents, and other organic chemicals. Ethane can also be used as a refrigerant or as a fuel in some applications. Its presence in the atmosphere is minimal, and it is not considered a significant greenhouse gas.