Question

Ethane with the Molecular formula \[{C_2}{H_6}\] has
(A) 6 covalent bonds
(B) 7 covalent bonds
(C) 8 covalent bonds
(D) 9 covalent bonds

Answer 1

Hint: Covalent bond is a chemical bond that is formed by mutual sharing of electrons. Covalent bonds will be formed only between two nonmetals. In Ethane molecules, Carbon and Hydrogen both are non-metals, therefore the bond formed between them is covalent bond.

Complete answer:
Ethane is an organic compound with the molecular formula \[{C_2}{H_6}\]. Ethane is found to be a colourless and odourless gas at constant pressure and temperature. Ethane is slightly soluble in water but completely soluble in organic solvents. It is the most important constituent of natural gas. Ethane belongs to the Paraffin series. It is obtained as a by-product of the oil refining process and also occurs in the dissolved form in the petroleum oils. Ethane can give all the general reactions of the alkane group.
Consider the ethane \[{C_2}{H_6}\] molecule. The structure of the Ethane molecule is given below.

From the above structure, we can see that the Ethane molecule has 6 C-H covalent bonds and one C-C covalent bond. Therefore, on adding the covalent bonds of C-C and C-H covalent bonds, we can say that the Ethane molecule has 7 covalent bonds.

Hence the correct answer is (B) 7 covalent bonds.

Additional information:
- Ethane was first discovered by Edward Ronalds in the year 1864.
- He discovered Ethane dissolved in the Pennsylvanian light crude oil.
- The name Ethane came from the German word “Eth” which means potable alcohol and “ane” means Carbon atoms with a single bond.

Note: - Ethane is highly flammable gas. When around 3% or above air is mixed with Ethane it becomes explosive. Therefore, we have to store Ethane as a cryogenic Liquid.
- When we touch Ethane directly, then our hand will become frostible.
- Ethane is mainly used in the production of Ethene by the Steam cracking process.