Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Ethane Formula

ffImage
Last updated date: 25th Apr 2024
Total views: 345.3k
Views today: 6.45k
hightlight icon
highlight icon
highlight icon
share icon
copy icon

What is the Molecular Formula of Ethane 

When it comes to the ethane formula, it is seen that ethane is a basic saturated hydrocarbon that is often found in the gaseous state in nature. It is also known as the 2nd simplest alkane that is followed by methane. There are 2 carbon atoms present in ethane and it also has 6 atoms of hydrogen. You need to learn what the molecular formula of ethane is in order to understand the compound in the best way. We are here to provide some details on the topic.


Finding out Ethane Structural Formula 

The Ethane structural formula is given as C₂H₆. The preparation of ethane happens in the laboratory with the use of Sodium Propionate. Hence, ethane can also be considered as one of the most important fuels that are presented in gaseous forms. When it comes to the heavier hydrocarbons as well as the natural gas components that are present in ethane, it becomes really easy to separate these from the gaseous matter. It is then liquefied under moderate pressure too. Students can very easily know about the ethane chemical formula from the notes that we have provided right here.


What is the Formula of Ethane? 

When you need to know about the formula for ethane, it can be said that it is C₂H₆. It is a highly flammable gas and has 2 atoms of carbon along with 6 atoms of hydrogen. Due to this particular property, ethane is known as a proper hydrocarbon. The molecular weight of ethane is about 30.07 g/mol. The structure of ethane mostly has singular bonds and hence it is characterized as an alkane.


The boiling point of ethane is −88.5 °C (−127.3 °F) and its melting point is −182.8 °C (−297.0 °F). When ethane is cooled under normal pressure, then the formation turns into a plastic crystal. If there is any further cooling of this particular form of ethane that goes below (−183.2 °C; −297.8 °F) then there are some changes that turn the ethane into monoclinic metastable ethane II.


Empirical Formula of Ethane 

The empirical formula of any compound can be defined as the simplest ratio denoted to the atoms that are present in any particular compound. So, it is no surprise to us that Ethane also has an empirical formula. Before knowing that, you need to know about the molecular formula of ethane and that is C₂H₆. Since we can see that both of these numbers of atoms present in carbon and hydrogen are divisible by two, we can denote that the empirical formula for ethane must have to be CH₃.


Uses of Ethane

After knowing what is the formula of ethane, you also need to know the uses of it. Ethane can be used in:

  • Preparing ethanol, acetic acid, and acetaldehyde as these components are used in varnishes and paints

  • Petrochemical industries in smaller quantities as produced

  • Specific volatile making for the investigations regarding lipid peroxidation

  • Preparing ethylene which is used for ripening fruits

FAQs on Ethane Formula

1. What is the Empirical Formula for Ethane?

The empirical formula of any compound can be defined as the simplest ratio denoted to the atoms that are present in any particular compound. We know that the molecular formula for ethane is C₂H₆. Since we can see that both of these numbers of atoms present in carbon and hydrogen are divisible by two, we can denote that the empirical formula for ethane must have to be CH₃.

2. Is Ethane Very Useful to the Industry?

Yes, ethane as a compound is very useful as it is commonly used in petrochemical industries. Apart from that, it is also used in the formation of ethanol, acetic acid, and acetaldehyde which are common components used in varnishes and paints.