Ethane

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Ethane
Names
IUPAC name
Ethane
Preferred IUPAC name
Ethane
Other names
Bimethyl
Dimethyl
Ethyl hydride
Methylmethane
Properties
C2H6
Molar mass 30.07 g/mol
Appearance Colorless gas
Odor Odorless
Density 0.0013562 g/cm3 (at 0 °C)
0.5446 g/cm3 (at -89 °C)
Melting point −182.8 °C (−297.0 °F; 90.3 K)
Boiling point −88.5 °C (−127.3 °F; 184.7 K)
56.8 mg/L
Solubility Soluble in acetone, benzene, diethyl ether, ethanol
Solubility in ethanol 46 ml/100 ml (4 °C)
Vapor pressure 3.8453 MPa (at 21.1 °C)
Acidity (pKa) 50
Thermochemistry
−84 kJ/mol
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich
Flash point −135 °C (−211 °F; 138 K)
Related compounds
Related compounds
Methane
Propane
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Ethane is an organic chemical compound, with the formula C2H6.

Properties

Chemical

Ethane will burn in an oxygen atmosphere to release carbon dioxide and water vapor.

C2H6 + 7/2 O2 → 2 CO2 + 3 H2O

Physical

Ethane is a colorless, odorless gas at standard conditions.

Availability

Ethane can be purchased in compressed gas cylinders.

Preparation

Ethane can be prepared from electrolysis of acetic acid or potassium acetate, process known as Kolbe electrolysis. It can also be prepared by heating a mixture of sodium propionate with sodium hydroxide.

Projects

  • Make ethylene
  • Haloethanes
  • Fuel

Handling

Safety

Ethane is non toxic, though in high quantities it can be asphyxiant. When mixed with air, at 3.0%–12.5% by volume, in an enclosed chamber, it may explode.

Storage

Liquified ethane should be stored away from heat sources.

Disposal

Ethane is not dangerous for environment, though it can contribute to global warming. It can safely be burned, as it produces just carbon dioxide and water vapor.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads