Léthane

Léthane, also known as ethane, is a simple alkane with the chemical formula C2H6. It is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature, and it becomes a liquid at cryogenic temperatures. It is a minor constituent of natural gas and is also produced during the refining of crude oil. In natural gas processing, ethane is separated from methane and other hydrocarbons for use as a chemical feedstock.

Key properties include a boiling point of about −88.6 °C and a melting point around −182.8 °C. Ethane is nonpolar and relatively reactive only under high-temperature or high-energy conditions. It is highly flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air. As a volatile organic compound, ethane can participate in atmospheric chemical reactions that contribute to ozone formation in polluted air.

Production and supply stem mainly from natural gas processing, where ethane is separated and then routed to petrochemical facilities. It is also produced at smaller scales through various refinery and gas-processing operations. The largest share of ethane’s industrial value is as a feedstock for ethylene production via steam cracking, which yields ethylene and other products used to manufacture plastics such as polyethylene.

Uses and applications are dominated by its role as an industrial building block. Ethane is converted to ethylene, the precursor to a wide range of polymers and chemicals. It has also been used in some niche applications as a refrigerant and solvent, though these uses have declined due to safety and regulatory concerns regarding flammability.

The term ethane derives from the ethyl group in organic nomenclature. Its discovery and development as a separate chemical occurred in the 19th century as part of the expanding study of hydrocarbons.