Ethane
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| 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 | |
| Std enthalpy of
formation (ΔfH |
−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.
Contents
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.
