ethane

American  

[eth-eyn] / ˈɛθ eɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, flammable gas, C 2 H 6 , of the methane series, present in natural gas, illuminating gas, and crude petroleum: used chiefly in organic synthesis and as a fuel gas.

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ethane British  

/ ˈɛθ-, ˈiːθeɪn /

noun

1. a colourless odourless flammable gaseous alkane obtained from natural gas and petroleum: used as a fuel and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C 2 H 6

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ethane Scientific  

/ ĕth′ān′ /

1. A colorless, odorless, flammable gas occurring in natural gas. It is used as a fuel and in refrigeration. Ethane is the second member of the alkane series. Chemical formula: C ₂ H ₆ .

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Etymology

Origin of ethane

First recorded in 1870–75; eth(yl) + -ane

Example Sentences

Foreign plastic makers are increasingly converting their plants to use ethane rather than crude oil derivatives, he said, thanks to the lower price and greater availability of natural gas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The U.S. petrochemicals industry starts with ethane, which comes from natural gas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Titan's extremely cold surface is home to lakes and rivers of liquid methane and ethane.

From Science Daily • Oct. 17, 2025

The gas entering the LNG facility is composed primarily of methane, but it also contains small amounts of ethane, propane, butane and other hydrocarbons collectively referred to as volatile organic compounds.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 2024

Acetylene combines with hydrogen in the presence of platinum black, and ethylene and then ethane result.

From Acetylene, the Principles of Its Generation and Use A Practical Handbook on the Production, Purification, and Subsequent Treatment of Acetylene for the Development of Light, Heat, and Power by Leeds, F. H. (Frank Henley)