ethane

Ethane is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C2H6. It is the simplest member of the alkane family. At room temperature it is a colorless, odorless, nonpolar gas and is flammable.

Molecule and physical properties: Ethane consists of two carbon atoms linked by a single covalent bond, with each carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. It has a tetrahedral geometry around each carbon. Ethane boils at about -88.6°C and melts at about -182.8°C, making it a gas under standard conditions. It is slightly denser than air, with a density around 1.36 g/L at room temperature and pressure.

Occurrence and production: Ethane occurs mainly in natural gas and in some crude oils, where it is present with other hydrocarbons. It is separated during natural gas processing and refinery operations. Industrially, ethane is also produced as a byproduct of refining and by steam cracking of heavier hydrocarbons.

Uses and reactions: The primary use of ethane is as a feedstock for producing ethylene via steam cracking, a key step in manufacturing polyethylene and many other chemicals. Ethane can undergo reactions such as halogenation to form ethyl halides or dehydrogenation to ethylene under appropriate conditions. Combustion of ethane yields carbon dioxide and water.

Safety and storage: Ethane is highly flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air. It is typically stored and transported as a compressed gas or refrigerated liquid, with appropriate ventilation and leak prevention in handling facilities.