Ethane

Ethane is a colorless, flammable alkane with formula C₂H₆, consisting of two carbon atoms joined by a single bond. It is a major component of natural gas and a feedstock for ethylene production.

Ethane molecule: A molecule of ethane contains two carbon atoms bonded to each other and six hydrogen atoms. Its C–C single bond and tetrahedral carbon geometry define ethane’s molecular structure.
Ethylene production: Ethylene production is the industrial manufacture of C₂H₄, mainly by steam cracking hydrocarbons. Cracking ethane is a major route to the ethylene used in plastics and chemicals.
Molecular formula: A molecular formula states the kinds and numbers of atoms in a molecule. C₂H₆ gives ethane’s atom counts but does not show how those atoms connect.
Methane: Methane is the simplest alkane, with one carbon atom and formula CH₄. Compared with ethane, methane has one fewer carbon and no carbon–carbon bond.
Alkane: An alkane is a saturated hydrocarbon containing only carbon–carbon single bonds. Ethane is the second-smallest member of this hydrocarbon family.
Polyethylene: Polyethylene is a plastic polymer made by linking ethylene molecules into long chains. Ethane contributes to polyethylene manufacture indirectly, after conversion to ethylene.
Structural formula: A structural formula represents how atoms are connected and, sometimes, arranged in a molecule. The structural formula H₃C–CH₃ makes ethane’s carbon–carbon bond explicit.
Propane: Propane is a three-carbon alkane with formula C₃H₈. It extends ethane’s carbon chain by one carbon while retaining only single bonds.
Combustion: Combustion is a chemical reaction in which a fuel reacts with an oxidizer, commonly releasing heat and light. Ethane burns in oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water.
Liquefied natural gas: Liquefied natural gas is natural gas cooled into a liquid for storage and transport. Ethane can occur in natural gas and may be retained or removed during its processing.

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