ethane

Everyday

1. Ethane is a gas with no colour or smell, made of carbon and hydrogen, found in natural gas. tree →
2. It burns easily and is used in factories to make plastics. tree →

In the lessons

A chemistry word for older pupils, met when learning about fuels and the alkanes methane, ethane, propane and butane. Its formula is C2H6: two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. Phrases: «ethane gas», «methane and ethane».

Examples

• Ethane is found in natural gas. tree →
• Ethane has two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. tree →
• Methane, ethane and propane are all gases that burn. tree →
• Factories turn ethane into the plastic used in bags. tree →
• Ethane has no smell at all. tree →
• We built a model of ethane with balls and sticks. tree →
• Saturn's moon Titan has lakes containing ethane and methane. tree →
• Never play near gas pipes, because gases like ethane can catch fire. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Say «EE-thane». Do not confuse with ethanol (an alcohol) or methane (one carbon). The smell of gas at home is added on purpose so people notice leaks.