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What is C2H6?

Published in Organic Chemistry 1 min read

C2H6 is ethane, a colorless, odorless, gaseous hydrocarbon that belongs to the paraffin series.

Understanding Ethane (C2H6)

Ethane is a simple yet important compound in chemistry. Let's explore its key characteristics:

  • Chemical Formula: C2H6 represents two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.
  • Structure: It’s the simplest hydrocarbon containing a single carbon-carbon bond.
  • Type: Ethane is classified as a paraffin or alkane.

Characteristics of Ethane

Feature Description
Physical State Gaseous
Color Colorless
Odor Odorless
Hydrocarbon Type Alkane
Bonding Single carbon-carbon bond
Composition Two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms

Ethane in Context

  • Natural Gas Component: Ethane is a constituent of natural gas and is often extracted for various industrial processes.
  • Industrial Use: Ethane is a valuable starting material for producing various chemicals.

Key Takeaways

  • Ethane is a basic hydrocarbon.
  • It is structurally simple.
  • Ethane is important both as an energy resource and as a chemical feedstock.

Ethane, with its chemical formula C2H6, is a fundamental building block in organic chemistry and a notable component in our energy systems. It is an important topic to grasp for chemistry students.