Ethane

In numerous early ethane producers, like Michael Faraday, he electrolyzed a potassium acetate solution in 1834, but couldn’t tell the gas apart from methane. Ethane, like methane, is an odourless, colourless gas that is extremely combustible; in fact, ethane is present in all natural gas sources, but in much lower amounts than methane (usually 5% or less). Because ethane likewise burns cleanly when fully combusted to carbon dioxide and water vapour, it was formerly simply given to the user to burn alongside the methane. However, as industrial production for ethane grows, it is usually extracted before natural gas is delivered to customers. Petroleum (gas) distillates, a by-product of oil refineries, provides minor ethane. Shale gas, which is generated through the problematic fracking method, is becoming a more important source as traditional natural gas sources diminish. 

Definition of ethane 

Whenever we discuss organic compounds, we learn that their nomenclature is determined by the sorts of bonds found in the carbon compounds. The most basic of all are solitary bonds formed between carbon atoms in a molecule. We’re dealing with ethane, therefore we need to know that it has two carbon atoms joined together by a single bond, as the name implies.

After Methane (CH4), Ethane is the second most abundant hydrocarbon in the family, and it was synthesised artificially by Michael Faraday in 1834. Methyl methane, Bi methyl, Dimethyl, and Ethyl hydride are all names for ethane. Ethane’s chemical formula, or molecular formula, is C2H6. Two carbon atoms are bonded, and three hydrogen atoms are connected to each of the two carbon atoms along either side, as shown in the structure. Therefore, the composition of ethane is represented as CH3-CH3. Ethane’s Lewis-dot structure also represents the single bonding of two carbon atoms to one another, with three hydrogen atoms bound to each carbon atom.

Ethane Lewis Structure

Lewis structures (also known as Lewis dot structures or electron dot structures) are diagrams that show the valence electrons of atoms in a molecule. A pair of dots connecting chemical symbols for atoms symbolises a bond, and each dot represents an electron. The 14 valence electrons in C2H2 are distributed as follows.

Application of Ethane

The following are some of the applications of ethane 

1. Ethane is largely utilised as a raw material for the manufacture of ethylene, that is used in the manufacture of plastics, fruit ripening, and detergents.

2. It is employed in scientific research to vitrify water-rich materials in liquid form.

3. It may also be used to make ethyl alcohol, acetic acids, and other chemical molecules comparable to these.

Chemical Formula of Ethane

Ethane is made up of two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. It is the second simplest organic chemical after methane, with a molecular weight of 30.07 g/mol. Ethane’s chemical or molecular formula is C2H6.

Ethane Preparation

On an industrial scale, ethane is extracted from natural gas and as a byproduct of petroleum refining.

Ethane Preparation in the Laboratory

1. Ethane may be thought of as a methyl group dimer. Ethane may be easily synthesised in the laboratory by electrolysis of an aqueous solution of acetate salt. Kolbe electrolysis is the term given to this procedure.

Acetate is oxidised at the anode to create carbon dioxide and methyl radicals, and the highly reactive methyl radicals combine to form ethane:

CH3 COO–  →  CH3 +CO2 +e–

CH3 + CH3  →  C2 H6

CH3 COO–  →   CH3 + CO2 +e–

2. The Wurtz reaction also produces ethane. Ethane is generated when methyl bromide or methyl iodide and salt are heated in the presence of dry ether.

CH3I  +  Na  + CH3I  →  CH3–CH3 +  NaI

Some Important points about Ethane 

Ethane is only surpassed as methane among the alkanes whenever it comes to simple organic molecules. Ethane is made up of two carbon atoms joined by a single bond, each of which has three hydrogen atoms attached. It would appear that because of its easiness, ethane was easily recognized after scientists grasped the fundamentals of organic chemistry.

Ethane has the formula C2H6 and is an alkane. Alongside methane CH4, it is the simple alkane (1-4 carbons) and the second most prevalent alkane. It’s a one-carbon–carbon triple bond   iso olefin. Ethane has a distinct odour and exists as a colourless, smelly gas in its solid state. In manufacturing, ethane is a crucial chemical feedstock. Pyrolysis of biomass, marine life (bioloading), and biogas generation in anaerobic digesters are all natural sources of ethane. Steam cracking of ethane, ethylene, or gasoline components from petroleum refining can also be used to make it. Ethane is employed in a number of industrial processes, most notably as a reactant in alkylation, olefins metathesis, and cracking operations in the petroleum industry.

Conclusion

Ethane, like methane, is an odourless, colourless gas that is extremely combustible; in fact, ethane is present in all natural gas sources, but in much lower amounts than methane. Whenever we discuss organic compounds, they learn that their nomenclature is determined by the sorts of bonds found in the carbon compounds. After Methane , Ethane is the second most abundant hydrocarbon in the family, and it was synthesised artificially by Michael Faraday in 1834. Two carbon atoms are bonded, and three hydrogen atoms are connected to each of the two carbon atoms along either side, as shown in the structure.