Ethane is a chemical compound with chemical formula C2H6. It is an alkane, that is, an aliphatic hydrocarbon. At ordinary pressure and temperature ethane is a colourless, odourless gas.
It is the simplest saturated hydrocarbon containing more than one carbon atom. Ethane is a prominent compound of industrial importance, by converting it to ethylene by cracking.
In an industrial scale, ethane is produced from natural gas and from petroleum refining. Chemical synthesis can be achieved by Kolbe electrolysis.
Last updated: 10-29-2005 02:13:46